​The article by The Times, journalist Catherine Healy, ponders ‘What luxury means now in Ireland,”. She explores the evolving definition of luxury in Ireland’s hospitality sector. It highlights a shift from traditional five-star opulence to more personalised, authentic, and sustainable experiences. The piece emphasises that modern travellers are seeking accommodations that offer a sense of place, local craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality over standardised amenities.

The Montenotte Hotel’s Woodland Suites Experience in Cork are featured as a standout example of this new wave of luxury. Journalist Catherine Healy interviews Woodland Suites interior designer Róisín Lafferty, who states:

“In Ireland up until now it has been largely based on a checklist of amenities and less focused on the overall experience, feel, design and finish — becoming more about ticking off a checklist to get to the next star than focusing on the essence of the experience you are offering. Thankfully this is all becoming out of date and things are changing.”

Catherine Healy | The Times, February 2025