The 2025 Irish Hotel Awards at The Johnstown Estate Hotel in Enfield, Co. Meath on October 20 last was especially memorable for The Landmark Hotel which was honoured with the coveted Local Hotel of the Year and Social Media Marketing Awards for Connacht.
In addition, the iconic four-star Carrick-on-Shannon hotel received both a Great Irish Breakfast Certificate and an Excellence in Service Certificate, reflecting its commitment to exceptional guest experiences, warm hospitality and innovative marketing. The success was another cause for celebration in the Co. Leitrim town which was named as Ireland’s Overall Tidiest Town for 2025 in the same week.
The evening marked a powerful tribute to Ireland’s most inspiring hospitality professionals – those who elevate guest experiences with quiet brilliance and unwavering dedication. This year’s ceremony honoured a diverse spectrum of contributors, from visionary general managers and culinary innovators to devoted housekeeping teams and front-of house stars.
Representing The Landmark Hotel on the night were Sales & Marketing Manager Ciara Maxwell, Weddings & Events Coordinator Annmarie Clarke, Accommodation Manager Jennifer Logan and General Manager Raj Jadhav.
“This is more than just an awards night,” Shane Smith, Managing Director of the Irish Hotel Awards, told guests.
“Tonight, we witnessed something extraordinary – a gathering of the hearts and hands that shape the soul of the industry. These awards are a reminder that excellence is often found in the details and the gestures; it’s a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate the spirit of Irish hospitality, its craft, its true warmth and, most of all, its people.”
Expressing pride in The Landmark Hotel team’s achievements, General Manager Raj Jadhav enthused: “We are truly honoured by this recognition. Each award represents the dedication, creativity and care that our team brings to The Landmark Hotel every day. It’s a testament to our shared passion for hospitality and our continued commitment to delivering memorable experiences for our guests.”
Sales & Marketing Manager Ciara Maxwell is also fulsome in her praise of the hotel’s 130-strong team.
“It’s a complete team effort. It won’t work without everyone singing off the same hymn sheet,” she stresses.
“We are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing team who are always willing to go the extra mile for our guests. Some of our team members have been here since the hotel first opened 27 years ago. We are proud to be one of the largest employers in the area and also to support wonderful local voluntary groups such as the Tidy Towns who have brought an All-Ireland title to Carrick-on-Shannon.
“We’re embedded in the local community and that is reflected in us winning the Local Hotel of the Year Award. We were also delighted to win the Social Media Marketing Award which is a testament to our innovative social media and digital marketing campaigns. We make a lot of videos which give an insight into the hotel’s huge personality and also showcase our team’s incredible work.
“This was our first time to enter the Irish Hotel Awards which involved an independent and in-depth inspection of our hotel. As part of this, two mystery shoppers stayed with us. Having been shortlisted in seven different categories, I think it’s fair to say we made a good impression on them!”
Founded in 1999 by brothers John and Ciaran Kelly, The Landmark Hotel has become a cherished part of the community. Boasting 50 stylish and comfortable bedrooms, including Signature Twins & Doubles, Family Rooms, Superior Doubles and Suites, the family-run hotel on the River Shannon exudes character, elegance and, above all, pride in service.
The Kelly brothers, who grew up working in the family business Kelly’s Hotel in Mohill, brought their deep-rooted passion for hospitality to The Landmark Hotel, which has flourished into one of Ireland’s most beloved destinations.
“When John and Ciaran told the Leitrim County Manager at the time of their plans to build a hotel beside the River Shannon and as you enter Carrick-on-Shannon from the Dublin side, he said ‘that’s a great idea and landmark’, and that’s how the hotel got its name,” Ciara explains.
“It has become part of the town’s fabric. A lot of people who come to Carrick-on-Shannon on hen and stag parties come back with their kids and families. The area has something for everyone, from Moon River cruises to The Shed Distillery to Lough Key Forest Park, and much more besides.”
Ciaran Kelly’s journey in hospitality took him across the globe, with over 20 years of experience working in prestigious hotels in Europe, North America and Asia. After serving as Managing Director of the Marco Polo Hotel in Singapore, he decided it was time to return to Ireland for the sake of his young family. While preparing for a possible GM role in Dublin, a conversation with his brother John changed everything.
“John called me and said he’d found a site for a hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon – it was to the rear of Campbell’s old yard. I didn’t pursue the other role, and together we decided to create what is now The Landmark Hotel,” he recalls.
Over the past 27 years, the hotel has grown into a hub for weddings, conferences and celebrations of all kinds, bringing people together from near and far. Its location and family-run nature have always been key to its success, with John and Ciaran Kelly’s involvement ensuring a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere for every guest.
One of the greatest achievements has been the creation of an exceptional team at The Landmark Hotel. Many of the staff have been part of the hotel’s journey since its opening, while others who started their career in The Landmark have gone on to become general managers, self-employed industry experts and even a celebrity chef. The hotel proudly acknowledges the dedication of its team, from the kitchen to front-of-house, and celebrates their contribution to the hotel’s success.
The Landmark Hotel’s success has been recognised through numerous prestigious awards for its hospitality, service and event offerings. Its expansion in 2018 with the opening of Landmark Central, a premier live music venue, added another dimension to the hotel. The venue has become a central part of Carrick-on-Shannon’s entertainment scene, attracting big-name performers such as Daniel O’Donnell, Tommy Tiernan, John Bishop and Jimmy Carr to name but a few.
As The Landmark Hotel continues to go from strength to strength, the focus is firmly on the future. The Kelly brothers and their team remain dedicated to evolving the guest experience, with plans for continued growth, innovation and investment in both the hotel and the local community.
The Landmark Hotel
Shannon Lodge,
Townparks,
Carrick-on-Shannon,
Co. Leitrim,
N41 N9W4.
Telephone: 071 962 2222
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Hotel & Tourism Magazine, Spring 2026, Vol 2 No 1
