Ireland tops the Conde Nast Traveler resorts poll

Headed by Ashford Castle in Mayo, there are a striking amount of Irish resorts on the list of best European resorts voted by Conde Nast Traveler readers. I wonder what it is about Irish resorts? I've been to the top-placed resort, Ashford Castle, but it scored lower for me when I realized it is not actually an old castle, just a recreation of one...