Two of Donegal’s best hospitality businesses have been honoured with much-respected Georgina Campbell Awards for 2018.
After a nationwide search for excellence, the recommendations of the independent hospitality guide were announced yesterday in Dublin.
Castle Murray House in Dunkineely and Muldowney’s B&B on Arranmore Island were selected for prime places in Georgina Campbell’s Ireland independent hospitality guides, and Ireland’s most popular independent hospitality and travel website www.ireland-guide.com.
Marguerite Howley and Peter Lawler of Castle Murray House
The Georgina Campbell Awards are Ireland’s longest-running food and hospitality awards, and highly respected by the industry.
Castle Murray House Boutique Accommodation was selected as Hideaway of the Year 2018. Marguerite Howley and Peter Lawler’s beautifully located clifftop property at St. Johns Point is described in the guide as a relaxing hideaway with a well-deserved reputation.
Castle Murray House
After the famous restaurant closed in January 2017, the hotel’s stylish accommodations remain, boasting sea and coastal views. Plus, it’s pet-friendliness makes it a destination of choice for travellers seeking somewhere with an ‘away-from-it-all atmosphere.’
Ireland’s B&B of the Year 2018 went to Muldowney’s B&B on Arranmore. The guide praises the active experience guests can enjoy on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way if they visit Muldowney’s.
Muldowney’s B&B
“Jim and Noreen Muldowney offer excellent accommodation at their immaculate 4* B&B but there is more to it than that, as what they really offer their guests is a genuine slice of island life
“And that includes bird watching, diving and snorkelling, or outings on Jim’s boat, the Elsie Jayne; his trips are so professional, there’s even a break for tea and some of Noreen’s homebaked scones – and how often do you get a chance to catch your own fish, and eat it at the end of the trip. Walkers will love it too – visitor information and walking map provided,” the guide says.
Speaking about the ongoing search for excellence, Ms Campbell said, “Through our programme of anonymous assessment we’re always keeping a sharp eye out for those exceptional establishments which are right on top of their game and going the extra mile for customers.
“Once again this year, we have found plenty of new ones worthy of recommendation, especially in urban areas, and it is always exciting to see newcomers to the hospitality industry who understand the importance of standards and want visitors – domestic and from abroad – to enjoy Irish food and hospitality at its best. What we seek is not perfection but real food and hospitality with real heart, and we’re continuing to find it in clusters of excellence all over the country.”
Accolades from Georgina Campbell Guide will be a source of encouragement and boost for Donegal’s businesses, as well as setting a benchmark for others in the industry who are determined to achieve a similar level of excellence.
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