Celebrating People‑Powered Sustainability: Four Sustainable Tourism Network Members Recognised As ‘Great Places To Work 2026’
At the Sustainable Tourism Network (STN), we know that sustainable tourism begins with people. A workplace culture rooted in trust, wellbeing and purpose not only strengthens businesses from within – it also drives better environmental and social outcomes for communities and destinations.
We are proud to congratulate four STN members who have been recognised as Great Place To Work Award winners for 2026. Their success is a powerful endorsement of how sustainability, strong values and employee‑led cultures go hand in hand.
O’Callaghan Coaches – Care, Respect And Community At the Heart Of The Journey
Killarney‑based O’Callaghan Coaches has been named one of Ireland’s Best Small Workplaces 2026, marking its third consecutive year on the national list – an exceptional achievement driven entirely by anonymous employee feedback.
The company’s culture is built on care and mutual respect, with an open‑door, non‑hierarchical management style that encourages trust, communication and shared responsibility. Employees describe a workplace where they feel proud, supported and able to be themselves, with 90% saying it is a great place to work, far above the national average.
This people‑first ethos aligns closely with O’Callaghan Coaches’ sustainability approach – investing in high‑quality vehicles, continuous improvement and long‑term relationships with staff, customers and communities. It demonstrates how responsible transport tourism depends as much on culture as it does on operations.
Castle Leslie Estate – Protecting Heritage By Investing In People
Castle Leslie Estate has once again been recognised as a Medium Organisation Great Place To Work in 2026, reflecting a deeply rooted culture of inclusivity, pride and shared purpose among its 270‑strong team in Glaslough, Co. Monaghan.
The Estate’s sustainability journey is one of the most comprehensive in Irish tourism. Guided by the belief that sustainable tourism must balance people, place and planet, Castle Leslie was recently recognised as a B Corp, holds Gold Green Hospitality accreditation and has received multiple national sustainability awards for its environmental action plans, biodiversity protection and renewable energy use.
Crucially, this commitment extends to staff wellbeing and development. The Estate actively celebrates milestones, supports professional growth and fosters a workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and empowered. Its leadership recognises that preserving heritage and landscapes for future generations is only possible through a healthy, engaged and respected workforce.
Vagabond Tours – Adventure, Purpose And Trust In Action
In its first year of growing from a small to mid-size company, Vagabond Tours holds its Great Place To Work title. Named Best Mid‑Size Workplace in Ireland 2026, Vagabond Tours continues to set the benchmark for people‑centred, purpose‑driven tourism businesses.
With 96% of employees saying Vagabond is a great place to work, the company’s culture is shaped by shared values including authenticity, empathy, resilience and fun. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, develop professionally and maintain strong work‑life balance through flexible working and open communication.
Vagabond’s workplace culture is inseparable from its sustainability leadership. As Ireland’s first B Corp certified tour operator, and Gold Certified Sustainable Tourism Network member, the company actively empowers employees to be drivers of positive impact – from responsible travel practices to community engagement and environmental conservation.
This recognition affirms that high‑trust, values‑led teams are central to delivering meaningful, low‑impact tourism experiences.
Abbey Group – Building Sustainable Tourism Through Trust And Belonging
The Abbey Group has once again been certified as a Great Place To Work in 2026, reflecting a strong, consistent focus on trust, respect and professional growth across its destination management and events teams.
Also holding the Sustainable Tourism Network Gold Certificate accolade, Abbey’s sustainability strategy is embedded in its company ethos, balancing environmental responsibility with social impact and employee wellbeing. The Group is committed to creating an inclusive and positive working environment, investing in internal career pathways, wellbeing supports and open communication across its international teams.
Through structured sustainability goals, continuous improvement and staff engagement, Abbey demonstrates how responsible tourism businesses can scale successfully while maintaining strong workplace cultures – a vital ingredient in long‑term resilience.
A Shared Message For Irish Tourism
The Great Place To Work Awards are based on one simple but powerful measure: employee trust. For these four Sustainable Tourism Network members, the message is clear – when people are supported, listened to and empowered, sustainability follows.
We warmly congratulate O’Callaghan Coaches, Castle Leslie Estate, Vagabond Tours and Abbey Group on this outstanding recognition. Your leadership shows that great places to work are also great places to visit, partner with and learn from.
