Category: Hospitality

The Viking Hotel Waterford has announced that it has been officially awarded four-star classification by Fáilte Ireland.

The accreditation follows significant investment from the hotel’s owners, the Kelly family, who have supported an extensive transformation of the property.

This includes redesigned guest bedrooms and upgraded conference rooms and guest spaces.

“The hotel has come such a long way, and earning four-star classification is a wonderful acknowledgement of the hard work behind the scenes,” said Karen Dollery, general manager of the Viking Hotel.

“Our team have always delivered warm smiles, real kindness and great attention, and our recent accreditations show how committed we are to taking care of our guests.

 

“We are very grateful to the Kelly family for placing their trust in our team, and for their vision and investment in the future of [the] Viking Hotel.”

The hotel is managed by PREM Hospitality, the hospitality management division of PREM Group.

PREM Group is an international hospitality business operating in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.

It is the parent company to several businesses, including Rate Wise (revenue management company), Sprint Digital (digital marketing agency), Trinity Hotel Groups (securing inbound tour operator business) and Premier Business Centres (serviced and virtual offices).

“I’d also like to thank the local community who visit us for food, drinks, and to celebrate family occasions, as well as the businesses who avail of our meeting facilities,” said Dollery.

 

“We really value our regular guests who come to the Viking Hotel throughout the year.

“Whether here for work, a weekend break or a special occasion, we look forward to continuing to welcome both familiar faces and new visitors to experience our newly accredited four-star standard.”

Ryan’s Pub blends the charm of a classic Irish local with the buzz of Ireland’s busiest international gateway.

Dublin Airport has welcomed a brand-new traditional Irish pub to Terminal 2 with the opening of Ryan’s Pub, offering departing passengers great pints, comforting pub food and a warm dose of Irish hospitality before take-off.

Created by The Wright Group, Ryan’s Pub is located airside in Terminal 2, just past duty free, and blends the charm of a classic Irish local with the buzz of Ireland’s busiest international gateway.

From expertly poured pints and premium Irish whiskey to honest pub favourites, Ryan’s promises plenty of craic for early-morning travellers and evening flyers alike. Ryan’s is open every day from 4am.

Honouring Dublin Airport’s Community Heritage

The pub takes its name and inspiration from the iconic 1970 photograph by Tom Lawlor of Mary Ryan, captured hanging out her washing in the shadow of an Aer Lingus jumbo jet. Living so close to the airport meant generations of the Ryan family went on to work at Dublin Airport – a connection that continues to this day and makes the name a fitting tribute to the airport’s rich community history.

Ryan’s Pub marks another exciting addition to Dublin Airport’s expanding food and beverage offering, bringing the warmth and character of a traditional Irish pub into a modern airport setting.

Passengers can enjoy breakfast blaas, Ploughman’s lunches and M.J. Wright smoked salmon, all served just a short stroll from the departure gate.

According to Ronan Fitzsimons, Commercial Director at Dublin Airport:

“We were hearing loud and clear from passengers that they wanted a traditional Irish pub in Terminal 2 and Ryan’s Pub is a fantastic addition to our food and drink offering. Whether passengers are travelling early or late, Ryan’s offers a warm Irish welcome and a great sense of place as they spend their final minutes in Ireland before heading off.”

Michael Wright, CEO of The Wright Group said:

“Ryan’s pub celebrates a strong family legacy and the spirit of a true Irish local. We’ve created a warm, authentic and welcoming space at Dublin Airport, and we’re proud to add Ryan’s to our airport portfolio while creating new jobs in the Fingal area.’’

In addition to Ryan’s Pub, The Clipper Bar & Kitchen will open in Terminal 1 Arrivals in the coming weeks, serving an all-day breakfast and bar menu.Inspired by the iconic Clipper aircraft that operated the first transatlantic flights between New York and Foynes, Co. Limerick, it will further enhance the airport’s offering for arriving passengers.

Ireland is being promoted as a world-class destination for Business Events to around 60 MICE buyers in France at a B2B roadshow visiting the cities of Lyon and Paris. Thirteen tourism companies from Ireland are taking part.

The roadshow, which includes presentations, one-to-one commercial meetings and networking, is a valuable opportunity for the tourism companies from Ireland to connect with the influential French buyers, to ensure they recommend Ireland to their clients for future meetings and incentive travel and, ultimately, to grow Business Events from France.

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Business Events and Luxury, said:

“We are delighted that so many key French MICE buyers are taking the time to come and meet with our partners from Ireland in Lyon and Paris. Our aim is to inspire those travel professionals about all that Ireland has to offer their clients.”

The tourism companies are pictured with Ana Luis (front, left) and Christine Blanc (front, right), both Tourism Ireland.

The Mespil Hotel has become the first organisation in Ireland to earn the “Three Leaves” under the new Leaf Mark Sustainability Certification — a national initiative by Fifty Shades Greener that recognises businesses investing in sustainability education for their teams.

The Mespil Hotel earned the top-tier Three Leaves recognition for its dedication to upskilling staff at all levels through Green Skills Levels 1 to 3, delivered by the sustainability education specialists at Fifty Shades Greener.

“Sustainability transformation begins with education,” said Raquel Noboa, founder and CEO of Fifty Shades Greener. “The Mespil Hotel has shown exceptional leadership by empowering their employees to understand, value and implement sustainable practices every day.”

Jason Conlon Shakib MIHI, sustainability manager at The Mespil Hotel, added:

“We are delighted to be the first hotel in Ireland to achieve the Three Leaves certification. This reflects our commitment to building a culture of sustainability and ensuring every member of our team has the skills to make a positive environmental impact.”

Recent awards have capped off a remarkable year for Newpark Hotel Kilkenny. It has again come out top as a family hotel and has picked up multiple awards from family-friendly experiences to culinary experiences, wellness innovation and workplace culture.

Part of the family-run Flynn Hotel Collection, Newpark is known for creating unforgettable family breaks.

At the Hotel of the Year Awards, the Newpark took home three titles: “Family Friendly Hotel of the Year”, “Head Chef of the Year” for Paul Murphy, and “Guest Relations Manager of the Year” for Marita McGrory.

These latest honours add to a growing list of family-focused achievements, including “Family Friendly Hotel of the Year 2024/2025” at the Gold Medal Awards, “Family Friendly Hotel of the Year 2025” at the National Parenting Product Awards, and “Family Friendly Business of the Year 2025” from The Family Edit.

The hotel’s reputation for memorable celebrations was also recognised with “Wedding Venue of the Year 2025” at the Let’s Talk Weddings Awards and a Tripadvisor “Travellers’ Choice Award 2025”.

The hotel’s commitment to wellness and relaxation was also celebrated when The Escape Health Club & Spa achieved the highest Gold Standard in the National Quality Standard Awards 2025 from Ireland Active.

Further accolades have followed for The Escape Spa, which was named “Best Day Spa 2025” at the Hair, Beauty & Style Awards and honoured with a Phorest Client Experience Award 2025 for exceptional guest service. The hotel also earned an Eco Label Award from GreenHospitality.ie, “Employer Excellence” status from Fáilte Ireland, and retained its “Great Place to Work 2025/2026” certification.

General Managers Niall Dunne and Mark Flynn said the hotel’s continued recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and creativity.

Four Fellowships were awarded to distinguished hospitality professionals at the Irish Hospitality Institute Management Awards & Founders Evening.

Hoteliers Nicky Logue and Charlie Sheils presented the Fellowships to Alan Buckley from Leonardo Hotels; Daragh Feighery, Village Director, Centre Parcs; Deirdre McDonald from The Innovate Rooms and Guinness Learning for Life Programme; and Noel Cafferkey, owner of Action Recruitment.

More than 500 guests, including 81 finalists, attended the banquet, including Micheline Corr of The Firm, who is pictured with Eileen Denham, sales director, The Hoxton, and Michael Masterson, general manager of The Keadeen Hotel.

Johnson’s Celtic Linen sponsored the first IHI Accommodation Manager Award, and Davina Murphy from Trigon Cork International Hotel won this category.

Aisling Moloughney from Shannon College of Hotel Management will be visiting Masottina Winery as the winner of the Graduate Award.

Kilashee Hotel had two winners, with Phillip Gleeson awarded Executive Head Chef and Ger Alley awarded the Hotelier award.

Paul Savage from Tipl Wines presented the Deputy General Manager award to Nokuzola Jacusse from Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge.

Another Clayton winner was Diane Molloy, Finance Manager at Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport.

Other winners included:

• HR & Training Manager – Lisa O’Callaghan The Fitzwilliam Hospitality Group
• Sales & Marketing Manager – Lisa Walshe from Leonardo Hotels
• Revenue Manager – Vanessa Davis, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
• Front of House Manager – Kevin Nelligan, The River Lee
• Environmental & Facilities Manager – Edward Kavanagh, Conrad Dublin
• Food & Beverage Manager – Alex Kelly, Cork International Hotel
• Bar Manager – John Ryan, The K Club
• Inspiring Manager- Gayle Anderson, Cavan Crystal Hotel
• Conference & Events Manager – Karen Maguire, Diageo – Irish Brand Homes
• Rising Manager – Micheala McIlkenny, The Dublin Convention Centre, Dublin

This guideline aims to promote and improve oral and general health for adults in healthcare settings by enabling a consistent, standardised approach to oral care. This national oral care guideline is for health and social care teams who support or provide oral care as part of daily personal care for adults who require assistance in acute, older persons, mental health, disability, palliative and social inclusion healthcare settings.

The very best hotels, restaurants, cafés and bars have been recognised at the Midlands 103 Hospitality Awards.

At a sold out gala event in Offaly last night, 40 awards were handed out to the best in class when it comes to food, drink and tourism.

Popular business man Christy Maye, who passed away earlier this year, was awarded the Albert FitzGerald Lifetime Achievement Award.

While Aisling Jones and Dylan Hyland from Hot Shot Coffee in Daingean took the crown for Industry Newcomer of the Year.

Here’s a full list of last night’s winners:

Wedding Venue of the Year
Glasson Lakehouse

Best Customer Service of the Year
The Heritage

Leisure Centre of the Year
Zest Health & Leisure Club, The Killeshin Hotel

Family Hotel of the Year
Tullamore Court Hotel

Wedding Coordinator of the Year
Emma Fagan, Shamrock Lodge Hotel

Overall Hotel of the Year
County Arms Birr

Destination Hotel of the Year
Talbot Hotel Carlow

Receptionist of the Year
Ciara Beegan, Castle Varagh Hotel

Business Hotel of the Year
Tullamore Court Hotel

Hotel Bar of the Year
Charter Bar & Eatery, Midlands Park Hotel

Spa & Wellness of the Year
Brooks & Co Spa, Glasson Lakehouse

Hotel Restaurant of the Year
Slí Dala Restaurant, Kinnitty Castle Hotel

Hotel Manager of the Year
Sabine Wycisk, Sheraton Athlone Hotel

Overall Restaurant of the Year
Bramley, Abbeyleix

Ethnic Restaurant of the Year
Bacchus Restaurant, Athlone

Chef of the Year
Anthony O’Connor, Old Warehouse

Café/Coffee Shop of the Year
Caffé Nero Athlone

Dining Experience of the Year
Hackett’s Eatery, County Arms Birr

Restaurant Manager of the Year
Trevor Byrne, Scanlon’s Bar & Restaurant

Best New Establishment
The Stable’s Tearoom at Tullynally Castle

Best Family Dining
O’Gorman’s Bar & Restaurant

Best Dark Sky Experience
Glamping Under the Stars

Golf Club of the Year
Glasson Lakehouse Golf Club

Children’s Activity of the Year
Playtown Tullamore

Festival/Event of the Year
Forest Fest – Music & Art’s Festival

Activity of the Year
Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Visitor’s Experience

Overall Pub of the Year
Scanlon’s Bar & Restaurant

Bar Manager of the Year
Jason Reddin, Wineport Lodge

Music Venue of the Year
Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue

Tourist Bar of the Year
JJ Killeens

Best Bar for Sport
The Dark Horse Bar & Kitchen

Traditional Bar of the Year
JJ Hough’s Singing Pub

Beer Garden of the Year
Danny Byrne’s

Drinks Producer of the Year
Ballykilcavan Farm & Brewery

Bar Food of the Year
Scanlon’s Bar & Restaurant

Industry Newcomer of the Year
Dylan Hyland & Aisling Jones, Hot Shot Coffee

Special Contribution to the Industry
Destination Athlone

Industry Personality of the year
Gay Davis, Honey Bean

Albert Award – For Life Time Achievement
Christy Maye

Community Impact Award 
Abbey Bloom’s Botanical Garden’s Café – Nua Healthcare

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort has announced the success of its inaugural Charity Gala, which took place earlier this month, which raised €60,000 in support of its neighbours, Russborough House & Park.

Guests enjoyed a red-carpet welcome and reception in the Manor House before moving to the ballroom for a dining experience curated by executive chef Lewis Barker of the two-Michelin-starred Terre Restaurant at Castlemartyr Resort. Chef Barker’s bespoke menu proved to be one of the evening’s highlights.

Entertainment throughout the night included a Trio from the world-renowned Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, pianist Fiachra Garvey, the Cotton Club Jazz Quartet, and harpist Ruth O’Hara.

The event was hosted by broadcaster Mary Kennedy, while Senator Aubrey McCarthy led an auction and raffle, with an array of prizes.

 

“The success of the Gala at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort reflects the strong relationship we’ve built, and we are truly grateful for their generosity and continued support,” said Orla Gallagher, CEO of The Alfred Beit Foundation Russborough House & Park

“The €60,000 raised will help us safeguard the house, care for its collections, and further its cultural and educational mission.”

The team at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort extended its thanks to all guests, performers, contributors, and supporters who helped make the inaugural Gala such a success.

“We are thrilled with the success of our first Charity Gala and deeply grateful to our guests, whose incredible generosity helped us raise €60,000 for the preservation of Russborough House & Park,” said Darren Byrne, general manager of Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort.

“It was an honour to unite the community for a night of exceptional dining and entertainment, ensuring the future of one of Ireland’s most treasured estates.”

The Talbot Collection has announced the acquisition of the Absolute Hotel, in Limerick City, marking the group’s latest expansion.

The purchase – the collection’s first in Limerick – brings its portfolio to seven hotels across Wexford, Dublin, Cork, Tipperary, Carlow and Limerick, in addition to the Talbot Suites self-catering apartments, the Newbay House exclusive wedding venue, and the Dome entertainment centre, in Carlow.

“We’re proud to expand the Talbot Collection to Limerick – and indeed the west coast – a city full of energy and opportunity,” said Philip Gavin, managing director of the Talbot Collection. “This investment reflects our confidence in Ireland’s hospitality industry and our ongoing commitment to our people and guests.”

A Period Of Sustained Investment

The acquisition continues a period of sustained investment across the Talbot Collection’s portfolio, with multimillion-euro refurbishments completed at the Talbot Hotel Cork and the Talbot Hotel Midleton in 2024, following their rebrand under the unified Talbot identity.

The group has also invested significantly in upgrading guest facilities and staff amenities across all properties in recent years, as part of a long-term strategy focused on quality, innovation and people.

 

Founded in 1994, the Talbot Collection has grown from a single hotel into a diversified hospitality group, encompassing premium hotels, wedding venues, and entertainment destinations.

“Being part of the Talbot Collection offers great opportunities for our team,” said Donnacha Hurley, general manager of the Absolute Hotel. “The Talbot Collection’s people-first culture aligns perfectly with what we’ve built here in Limerick, and we’re excited for the next chapter together.”

The managing director of the Pettitt Group – owner of the Talbot Collection – Cormac Pettitt, added, “The acquisition of the Absolute Hotel is a significant milestone for the Talbot Collection. This is a superb hotel with a great reputation.”