John Dolan of the Gleneagle Hotel won GM of the year at the Irish Hotel Awards 2024 organised by Shane Smith of Lisburn based NIMedia at The Johnstown Estate in Enfield.
Galway won three of the hotel awards, Galmont and Hyde Hotels in the city and Murray’s Doonmore Hotel on Inishboffin, while the host hotel won the luxury award and Clanard Court the wedding award. Ashford Castle won the fine dining award and Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown the hotel restaurant. Daniel Willimont of Kilronan Castle in Roscommon won chef of the year.
Shane Smith Managing Director of NI Media shared: “This evening we sit here in a room of industry giants, the people who make the industry on this beautiful island so hospitable and as Sir Isaac Newtown said; “If I have seen further it’s by standing on the shoulders of giants. I want to turn that thought on its head with regard to the Irish Hospitality Industry.
The GM’s and Directors of all the properties associated with the Irish Hotel Awards stand on the shoulders of the true giants of hospitality – from the KP’s to Housekeeping, the warm welcome at reception and the can-do attitude of each and every person in every department. They are the true giants and you stand on their shoulders. A massive thank you to Chef Tommy Butler and his team at The Johnstown Estate and also to our dinner sponsors who make such a difference to the quality of our menu – Kitchingham Meats, Keenan’s Seafood, Traditional Cheese Company, Bluebell Falls Goat’s Cheese, Johnson’s Coffee, Butlers Chocolates and Keogh’s Crisps.
- Airport Hotel– Crowne Plaza Hotel Dublin Airport
- Bar Manager– Megan Clarke & Evan Kennedy, Majestic Hotel
- Boutique Hotel– The HYDE
- Brand Hotel– Raddison Blu Hotel, Sligo
- Breakfast Manager– Fiona King, Waterford Castle
- Business Hotel– McWilliams Park Hotel
- Castle Hotel– Ashford Castle
- Chef– Daniel Willimont, Kilronan Castle Estate
- City Hotel– The Galmont Hotel
- Coastal Escape– Dingle Skellig Hotel
- Country House Hotel – Faithlegg
- Dog Friendly Hotel– The Inn on the Coast
- Duty Manager– Ann Marie Mee, McWilliam Park Hotel
- Event Manager– Helen O’Shea Maritime Hotel
- Excellence in Service Award – Castleknock Hotel
- Family Hotel– Woodford Dolmen Hotel
- Fine Dining Experience– Ashford Castle
- General Manager– John Dolan, Gleneagle Hotel
- Golf Experience– Faithlegg
- Gourmet Getaway– Kilronan Castle
- Great Irish Breakfast Award – Longcourt House Hotel
- Guest Relations Manager– Shannon Marry, Ashling Hotel
- Hotel 2 Star– Murray’s Doonmore Hotel
- Hotel 3 Star– Hyde Hotel
- Hotel 4 Star Lux– The Johnstown Estate
- Hotel 4 Star– Galmont Hotel
- Hotel Bar– The Johnstown Estate
- Hotel Design– Clontarf Castle
- Hotel Restaurant– Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown
- Housekeeper– Rose Cawley The Glasshouse
- Human Resources Manager– Deanna Frak, Ashling Hotel
- Intimate Wedding Venue – Belle Isle Estate
- Judges Star Award – Jason Condron, Fitzwilton Hotel
- Kitchen Porter– Monika Wojtal, Midleton Park Hotel
- Local Hotel– Osprey Hotel
- Marketing Manager– Ciara Barry Ashling Hotel
- Receptionist– Megan Elliott, Maldron Hotel Belfast International
- Restaurant Manager– Colin Flynn, Fitzwilton Hotel
- Revenue Manager– Nicola Belshaw, Manor House Country Hotel
- Rising Star– Padraig O’Regan, Longcourt House Hotel
- Romantic Hotel– Waterford Castle
- Self–Catering Property– Kenmare Bay Hotel
- Social Media Award – Raddison Blu Hotel Sligo
- Spa Experience– Ashford Castle
- Spa Manager– Rachel Dougal, Kilronan Castle Estate
- Waterside Wedding Venue – Diamond Coast Hotel
- Wedding Hotel– Clanard Court
- Wedding Planner– Gillian O’Dea, Waterford Castle
The Irish Hotel Awards is sponsored by Clearer Water, Clearer Twist and Bluebell Fall’s Goats Cheese. Their support is invaluable to the growth and development of the programme.
