AA 5-star status for new Fermanagh Hotel

The Lough Erne Golf Resort Hotel at Castle Hume has been awarded the much coveted AA five star international status. The Hotel is the first Resort in Northern Ireland to achieve this prestigious accolade.

A spokesman explained that the hotel was awarded Five Stars due to the combination of five star luxury throughout the entire resort, attention to detail in the delivery of all guest experiences, and innovatively presented products and services.
"The Resort is a unique setting where quality product and a shared commitment to five star service to create the ultimate guest experience."
Simon Numphud FIH, Hotel Services Manager who is a Senior Inspector AA Hotel Services said, his office was delighted to recognise Lough Erne Golf Resort as Five Stars, for it offers luxury accommodation, excellent service from a dedicated team of friendly staff and high quality food.
"The level of investment throughout the Resort is impressive, and the future plans will continue to develop the overall Resort, offering even further in 2009."
Jim and Eileen Treacy, the owners of Lough Erne Golf Resort said they were, 'truly delighted' that their vision to become one of the leading Resort's in the world had been recognised at such an early stage of its life, with the award of five stars by the AA.
"We want to congratulate and thank all of the staff at the Resort for this impressive achievement."
With over thirty five years' hospitality experience, Jonathan Stapleton, the Resort's General Manager has been the driving force for the five star international rating, using his experience to support and direct the Lough Erne Golf Resort team to achieve world class excellence.
He commented: "One of our key successes at Lough Erne Golf Resort has been the commitment and dedication of our staff. It is always encouraging to receive so many positive guest comments about the friendliness, professionalism and attention to detail by our staff. It is our policy at the Resort to ensure all management and staff are mentored and trained to maintain five star hospitality standards."
He explained that, since the Resort opened its doors to the public last year, the aim had always been to acquire AA five star international status.
"We are delighted that this has come to fruition and look forward to offering our guests an unrivalled five star experience."
Lough Erne Golf Resort opened in October 2007, and recently celebrated it's first anniversary. The Resort is set on a 600 acre private peninsula, nestled between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough. The resort offers 120 guestrooms, including 25 two and three bedroom lakeside lodges which offer private, fully serviced accommodation.
The unique magic of the Lough Erne Golf Resort lies in its sense of 'place'. The distinctive architecture has been inspired by the natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
Open fires greet guests, and this, along with arresting views and exquisitely designed spaces, are there to comfort all guest needs.
Guests can choose from three dining options - Catalina Restaurant for à la carte dining, The Blaney Bar and The Garden Hall for afternoon teas. The resort offers world class facilities for private meetings and events, and The Thai Spa - an authentic Thai experience
Next Summer, Lough Erne Golf Resort will have the use of two 18-hole championship golf courses with the opening of its Faldo championship course. The Castle Hume Championship Golf Course is already open.

Dublin Local Named Ireland's Best Bar at the Licensing World Bar Awards 2008

The Eden House in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, was named Ireland’s Best Pub at the Oscars of the bar industry. A delighted Michael Zelman of The Eden House was presented with a specially commissioned trophy by Nigel Tynan, editor of Licensing World magazine, plus the top prize of a once in a lifetime holiday to Las Vegas worth €3,000.

All premises that enter the Licensing World Bar Awards are visited by the expert panel of judges, whose visits took place this year during April and May, and who assess each entry on a lengthy series of relevant criteria including welcome, customer service, ambience, staff training, hygiene, décor and product range, among others.Winning a Bar Award highlights to customers that each premises rates amongst the best bars in Ireland and communicates that participants are dedicated to customer service, staff training, ambience and all round excellence.

In a great evening for Irish bars we are delighted to announce the Licensing World Bar Awards 2008 Full Awards Shortlist & Winners:

1. Faustino Local Bar Award
Finalist:Powers Pub, Clarecastle, Co Clare
Finalist: The Eden House, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Finalist: The Two Sisters, Terenure, Dublin 6W
Finalist: The Malt House, Mountbellew, Co Galway

Faustino Local BarAward Winner: The Eden House, Rathfarnham


2. Hennessy Style Bar Award
Finalist: The Lyons Den, Celbridge, Co Kildare
Finalist: The Crystal Bar, Beacon Hotel, Sandyford, Dublin 18
Finalist: The Mint Bar, Westin Hotel, Dublin 2
Finalist: Wrights Café Bar, Malahide Road, Swords

Hennessy Style Bar Award Winner: The Crystal Bar, Beacon Hotel, Sandyford, Dublin 18

3. Corona Extra Nightclub Award
Finalist: The Sin Bin, Howleys Quay, Limerick
Finalist: Central Park, 36 Upper Abbey St, Galway
Finalist: Newsroom, 40-41 The Mall, Newry
Finalist: Club Voodoo, 21 Lwr Main St, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Corona Extra Nightclub Award Winner: Central Park Nightclub, 36 Upper Abbey St, Galway

4. Fáilte Ireland Tourist Bar Award
Finalist: The Bulman Bar, Summercove, Kinsale, Co Cork
Finalist: Fitzpatricks Bar & Restaurant, Jenkinstown, Dundalk
Finalist: The Arlington Hotel, 39 Batchelors Walk, Dublin 1
Finalist: Johnnie Fox’s, Glencullen, Co Dublin

Fáilte Ireland Tourist Bar Award Winner: Fitzpatricks Bar & Restaurant, Jenkinstown, Dundalk

5. Deep RiverRock Hotel Bar Award
Finalist: Boss Doyle’s Bar, Park House Hotel, Galway
Finalist: Sure Bar, Radisson Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8
Finalist: The Mint Bar, Westin Hotel, Dublin 2
Finalist: Indigo Lounge, Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf, Dublin 3

Deep RiverRock Hotel Bar Award Winner: Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin 3

6. Bols Cocktail Bar Award
Finalist: The Mint Bar, Westin Hotel, Dublin 2
Finalist: The Long Island Bar, Washington St, Cork
Finalist: Venu, 26 Annes Lane, Dublin 2

Bols Cocktail Bar Award Winner: Venu, Dublin 2

7. Febvre Bar Food Award
Finalist: The Malt House, Mountbellew, Co Galway
Finalist: Casey’s of Baltimore, Co Cork
Finalist: The Bull & Castle, 5-7 Lord Edward St, Christchurch, Dublin 2
Finalist: The Harbour Bar, Lwr Main St, Rush, Co Dublin.

Febvre Bar Food Award Winner: Casey's of Baltimore

8. Jagermeister Music Bar Award
Finalist: Reardens of Washington Street, Cork
Finalist: The Porter House, Bridge St, Westport
Finalist: An Púcán Bar, 11 Foster Street, Galway

Jagermeister Music Bar Award Winner: The Porter House, Bridge Street, Westport

9. Bulmers Light City Bar Award
Finalist: The Bank on College Green, Dublin 2
Finalist: Aubars, 49-50 Thomas St, Limerick
Finalist: The Boars Head, 149 Capel Street, Dublin 1
Finalist: Kehoes Pub, 9 South Annes St, Dublin 2
Finalist: The Baggot Inn, Lwr Baggot Street, Dublin 2

Bulmers Light City Bar Award Winner: The Bank on College Green, Dublin 2

10. Gilbeys Wine Award
Finalist: The Foxhunter, Ballydowd, Lucan
Finalist: The Vintage Crop Bar, The K Club, Straffan, Co Kildare
Finalist: JJ Gannon’s, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo

Gilbeys Wine Award Winner: The Vintage Crop Bar at The K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare


11. Carry Out Bar Off Licence Award
Finalist: O’Donovan’s Off Licence, Clonakilty, West Cork
Finalist: The Spiral Tree, 66 Main St, Co LongfordFinalist: Hollands Off Licence, 78-80 Main St, Bray
Finalist: Corcorans, Irishtown, New Ross, Co Wexford
Finalist: Dicey Reilly’s, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal

Carry Out Bar Off Licence Award Winner: Hollands Off Licence, 78-80 Main St, Bray

12. Galvins Wines and Spirits Country Bar Award
Finalist: Dessie O’Brien’s, Kilrickle, Co Galway
Finalist: Caffreys, Butterstown, Co Meath
Finalist: The Weigh Inn, Ballysheedy, Co Limerick
Finalist: The Old Mill, O’Briens Bridge, Co Clare
Finalist: The Bodhrán Bar, Castlewarren, Co Kilkenny

Galvins Wines and Spirits Country Bar Award Winner: The Old Mill, O’Briens Bridge, Co Clare

13. Licensing World Bar Of The Year Award Winner: The Eden House, Rathfarnham, Dublin

NEW 5***** HOTEL FOR BELFAST

Work on this new hotel brings with it a significant investment in the Belfast hospitality sector of approximately £20 million (€30 million approximately) and the creation of over 100 jobs - a huge boost to the hotel industry in Northern Ireland. This luxury hotel will exude all of the glamour, sophistication and impeccable customer service of its sister property in Dublin.

Located at the city centre end of Belfast’s Golden Mile, The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast will be the ideal spot for both business and leisure travellers to Northern Ireland's thriving capital city. The hotel is just a short walk to an array of cultural spots including City Hall, the Old Museum Arts Centre, Linen Hall Library and the Crown Liquor Saloon (featured in the classic James Mason movie ‘Odd Man Out’). It is also close to the central shopping area at Royal Avenue, the soon to be opened Victoria Square Complex and a wide array of restaurants and style bars.

The hotel, comprising 131 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites will also have a superbly appointed penthouse suite overlooking the city sights. Designed by noted architect Ian Halliday, from the firm of Halliday Ramsay, with interiors mirroring the look and style of the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin (originally designed by Christopher Ash who will be working on the interior of the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast with design firm Project Orange), the Fitzwilliam Belfast promises to be a stunning addition to the Belfast hotel sector.

Belfast is now officially chic, with tourist bible "The Lonely Planet" placing the city in its Top 10 must see destinations for 2007. The city now attracts more than 6m visitors a year, contributing £285m to the economy and supporting 16,000 full-time jobs. Speaking at the launch today in Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Jim Rodgers (Ulster Unionist Party - UUP) welcomed this investment with open arms. "This ground breaking is symbolic of many things for Belfast. It means increased jobs for area residents, growth opportunities for local business owners and forward.

KENMARE SPA IS VOTED TOP 10 IN THE WORLD

HOTEL SPAS - EUROPE

In Europe, you applaud the level of service at La Residencia on Mallorca, love the body treatments at the Anassa in Cyprus and think the Four Seasons George V Paris has found a winning formula with its amenities/products.

But the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay in Turkey wins overall, scoring above 87 in all criteria.

1 Six Senses Spa, Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, Bodrum, Turkey /94.29%
2 Six Senses Spa, Porto Elounda, Crete Greece /93.33%
3 Cinq Mondes Spa, Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland /92.00%
4 The Spa, Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris, France /91.75%
5 Thalassa Spa, Anassa, Polis, Cyprus /91.57%
6 SAMAS, Park Hotel Kenmare, Ireland /91.46%
7 The Retreat, InterContinental Aphrodite Hills /91.42%
8 The Spa, Choupana Hills Resort & Spa, Madeira, Portugal /91.39%
9 Aveda Concept Spa, Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy /90.67%
10 The Spa at La Residencia, Mallorca, Spain /90.54%

50 jobs will be lost following the closure of the €70 million 5-Star Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork

The luxury hotel closed its doors yesterday and have appointed interim management company, Detail Marketing & Project Management to operate parts of the resort, including the golf course which will remain open. This move follows an agreement reached with West Paces Hotel Group to end the management contract for the operation of the hotel by the Capella brand.


The Castlemartyr Capella, which was developed by the Cork-based construction group, John F Supple was officially opened just nine months ago by then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. The owners said they are in negotiations with an international five-star brand to take over the management of the hotel adding that they hope to be in a position to reach agreement early in the new year. It is thought the new operators could be the Dromoland Group.

The interim management company have offered positions to 30 employees and 14 employees have been offered positions by West Paces Hotel Group, with the remaining 50 staff leaving the business. “It is hoped when agreement is reached with a new operator and when the hotel is reopened there will be opportunity to re-employ personnel at the hotel,” a statement released by the company read.

170 employees to be left jobless as spa destinations closes

POWERSCOURT Springs, one of the country's best known spas, has closed its doors, leaving up to 70 people out of work.

In August, owners Paul and Fiona Hanby and Patricia and Gerald Kinsella, announced the sale of the spa development, although the name of the new owner and future plans for the site have yet to be revealed.

Unhappy with planned redundancy packages, some of the workers had threatened a sit- in, however, this was narrowly averted when an 11th- hour agreement on redundancy packages was formulated.

With the threat of the sit- in in the background, the directors of the company came back to the table with an extra two week's pay per year of service for staff.

Powerscourt Springs is owned by Paul and Fiona Hanby and Patricia and Gerald Kinsella. Employees had been left disappointed and angered when a standard redundancy package of just two week's pay for every year was offered to them when news of the closure was revealed several weeks ago.

' The Government gives 60 per cent of this back to the company,' said a negotiator on behalf of the workers ahead of the closure.

During initial negotiations, the owners of the company, who are believed to have made over € 3 million on the sale, told staff the company was struggling and there would be little or no money left over after commitments to the bank were fulfilled.

' We had taken it as far as we could so we were happy with the final deal that was made,' said one now former employee of Powerscourt Springs. ' There are no hard feelings between staff and the company directors.'

Edenderry hotel jobs lost

A possible 100 jobs have been lost in Edenderry with the news that the company behind the planned Plaza Hotel is to go into liquidation. Plaza Developments Limited and KCDLG Forbairt Holdings Limited & Cos Acts applied to the High Court to be allowed go into liquidation and the order was granted with the appointment of a liquidator to follow.The project which has hit many stumbling blocks has now ground to a halt following the High Court Application.

It seemed full steam ahead for the project when in early July an Examiner was appointed to the project to devise and implement an investment programme for the project. The promoters, in welcoming the decision at the time, said it would mean people would not have to leave the community and travel significant distances to conduct familly and business functions.Promoters sought the appointment of an examiner to protect not only the future of the project but the 100 or so full and part time jobs expected to be created on foot of its completion, not to mention those in the construction sector to complete the half constructed hotel.The project was expected to generate millions of euro in income annually for the town.

Last July the project was only 40% completed.Promoters Ger Killally, Declan Ging, Richie Connor and Frank Lawlor invested large amounts of their own funds into the Plaza development, which began in 2006 with a price tag of e26 million.The hotel, when complete would have encompassed 94 bedrooms, a prominent reception area and lounge, a restaurant, bar and state of the art leisure centre.It was said at the time that more than one investor had expressed interest within a week of the examiner being appointed.

Good Food Ireland Awards

Good Food Ireland Awards 2008

Good Food Ireland is a unique not-for-profit all island network of industry members who diligently work to grow Ireland as a food tourism destination. It promotes the link between the food producer and the hospitality sector in order to drive our domestic and international tourists to places committed to using local food.

The key objectives of these awards are to honour those members who epitomise the Good Food Ireland philosophy and to raise standards within the food and hospitality industry. Members are independently assessed by an expert judging panel and the public can also nominate members over the Good Food Ireland website. Awards like the Good Food Ireland Members Best Producer Award, International Dietary Award, Next Generation Award and Top Overall Member Award highlight the commitment of the members to raise standards, promote local produce to consumers and drive Ireland forward as a worthy food tourism destination.

Over 300 key representatives from the food and tourism sectors including chefs, restrauteurs, hoteliers, farmers, fishermen and food producers from the four corners of Ireland will attend the awards and provide a showcase of the best of local and artisan food produce. Good Food Ireland Chairman, Redmond O’ Donoghue and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen T.D. will preside over the event. Cuisine and food produce satisfies new traveller demands for hands-on, interactive experiences. Good Food Ireland promotes the people behind the food from the chef to the cheese maker and highlights the cultural link between a country, its people and its food.

Good Food Ireland Best Local Breakfast Award sponsored by Fáilte Ireland

This award clearly maximises the use of local produce, home baking and sourcing and embraces signature and regional dishes. It also takes into account how the breakfast is presented and served.
Nominations:
Aldrige Lodge, Co Wexford
Ballyvolane House, Co Cork
Coolanowle Country House and Organic Farm, Co Carlow
Rigney’s Farmhouse B&B, Co Limerick
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Winner: Coolanowle Country House and Organic Farm, Co Carlow


Good Food Ireland Best Next Generation Award sponsored by Lily O’Briens

There are a number of next generation operators within the industry, striving to follow or exceed in the footsteps of parents or young chefs/people growing and developing in the industry. This award honours and promotes their efforts in maintaining and raising standards and in highlighting innovation.

Nominations:

Graham Roberts - Connemara Smokehouse, Co Galway

Simon O'Hara - Coopershill House, Co Sligo

Fingal Ferguson -Gubbeen Farmhouse Products, Co Cork

Tim McCarthy - Jack McCarthy Meats, Co Cork

Kenneth Kelly - Kelly's of Newport, Co Mayo

Joe O'Flynn - Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow
Winner: Tim McCarthy - Jack McCarthy Meats, Co Cork


Good Food Ireland Wine Person of the Year Award sponsored by Classic Drinks

Not necessarily a sommelier, this award goes to somebody who is passionate about their subject, able to interact with customers and explain and work with their wine list in detail. This award also provides the winner with a fabulous prize of a four-day trip to visit the ALVARO PALACIS vineyards and winery in RIOJA, all expenses paid compliments of Classic Drinks, Good Food Ireland's wine partner.

Nominations:

Colm McCan - Ballymaloe House, Co Cork

Sean Gargano - Eden Restaurant, Dublin

Paul Carroll - Ghan House, Co Louth

Pierre Toussaint - Hayfield Manor, Cork

Florian Lemercier - The Clarence Hotel, Dublin

Damian Corr - The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Winner: Damian Corr - The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

Good Food Ireland Environmental Energy Efficiency Award sponsored by A&L Goodbody

This award honours the member that has done something significant to improve their energy efficiency and identify the kind of savings being made either in terms of cost or energy use.

Nominations:

Gleeson's Artisan Food & Wine Shop, Roscommon

Kelly's Resort Hotel, Co Wexford

Park Hotel Kenmare, Co Kerry

Silver Hill Foods, Co Monaghan

Ummera Smoked Products, Co Cork
Winner: Park Hotel Kenmare, Co Kerry


Good Food Ireland Most Innovative Use of IT Award sponsored by Biznet

An award to celebrate the member who, in the opinion of the judges, makes the best use of IT to promote their business. The judges will look for innovate use of IT rather than simply using the electronic medium for delivery. Promoting the philosophy of prioritising farmers, fishermen and local and artisan food producers will be taken into account.

Nominations:

Ballymaloe Cookery School, Co Cork

James Whelan Butchers, Co Tipperary

Temple Country Retreat and Spa, Co Westmeath

The Apple Farm, Co Tipperary
Winner: James Whelan Butchers, Co Tipperary


Good Food Ireland Best use of Sustainable Local Fish Award sponsored by Waterford Crystal

This award highlights those who use/catch and promote sustainable fishing and locally caught fish from Irish coastal waters. It is to single out a member who is instrumental in ensuring sustainability and best practice standards, which will ultimately have an influence on the Irish food/fishing industry and its culture.

Nominations:

Caviston's Restaurant & Food Emporium, Co Dublin

Fishy Fishy Café, Co Cork

Martyn's Lobsters, Co Waterford

Rathmullan House, Co Donegal

The Winding Stair, Dublin
Winner: Fishy Fishy Café, Co Cork


Good Food Ireland Top Regional Member Awards sponsored by Tourism Ireland

These four awards will be judged across all member sectors. The winner will be the member who most epitomises in each region the Good Food Ireland philosophy of committing above all else to using local and artisan food.

Top Regional Member North
Nominations:

Belle Isle School of Cookery, Co Fermanagh

Ditty's Home Bakery & Coffee Shop, Co Derry

Gardiners Restaurant, Co Derry

Lough Erne Golf Resort, Co Fermanagh

Newforge House, Co Armagh
Winner: Belle Isle School of Cookery, Co Fermanagh


Top Regional Member South
Nominations:

Café Paradiso, Cork Farmgate, Cork

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

QC's Seafood Bar & Restaurant, Co Kerry

The Blue Geranium Café at Hosfords Garden Centre, Co Cork

The Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford

The Poacher's Inn, Co Cork

The Tannery, Co Waterford

Urru Culinary Store, Co Cork
Winner: The Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford

Top Regional Member East
Nominations:

Aldridge Lodge, Co Wexford

Café Odhran, Co Laois

Fallons Bar & Café, Co Kildare

Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow

The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

The Winding Stair, Dublin
Winner: The Winding Stair, Dublin

Top Regional Member West
Nominations:

Admiralty Lodge, Co Clare

Café Rua, Co Mayo

Doonbeg Golf Club, Co Clare

Gregan's Castle, Co Clare

Mount Falcon Country House Hotel, Co Mayo
Winner: Gregan's Castle, Co Clare


Good Food Ireland Host of the Year Award sponsored by Failte Ireland

In a highly focused and demanding service industry, this award honours the person who offers demonstrable evidence of care, passion, attention to detail and a focus on providing service that excels in every way.

Nominations:

Maurice Keller - Arlington Lodge Country House Hotel, Waterford

Gillian Ennis - Carrygerry House, Co Clare

Bernadine Mulhall - Coolanowle Country House & Organic Farm, Co Carlow

Kay Harte – Farmgate, Cork

Kay O'Flynn - Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow
Winner: Kay O'Flynn - Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow


Good Food Ireland Members’ Best Producer Award sponsored by Bord Bia

Using the Good Food Ireland network is central to the organisation’s philosophy. This award will go to the producer the judges feel has been most actively sought out and promoted by fellow members.

Nominations:

Connemara Smokehouse, Co Galway

G's Gourmet Jams, Co Laois

Gubbeen Farmhouse Products, Co Cork

Inagh Farmhouse Cheese, Co Clare

Kelly's of Newport, Co Mayo

Silver Hill Foods, Co Monaghan

The Burren Smokehouse, Co Clare
Winner: G's Gourmet Jams, Co Laois


Good Food Ireland International Dietary Award sponsored by Silverhill Foods

The international visitor to Ireland and indeed the home consumer has varied dietary requirements from pork-free to alcohol free to hallal to coeliac. This award honours the member that is most innovative in the kitchen and in their menu in recognising individual’s own lifestyle/daily routines and nutritional requirements.

Nominations:

Cornucopia, Dublin

Itsa4, Dublin

Temple Country Retreat and Spa, Co Westmeath

The Bread Crumb, Co Kerry

The Kitchen & Foodhall, Co Laois
Winner: Itsa4, Dublin


Person of the Year Award sponsored by Hertz

A person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help and secure the future of Good Food Ireland This award highlights the enormous work and commitment that is carried on behind the scenes – that may not be obvious to the members and indeed the public.
Winner: Sean Boland Managing Director Hertz


Good Food Ireland Top Overall Member Award sponsored by Independent Newspapers

This award is given to the member who most represents the philosophy of Good Food Ireland and is a benchmark for all others.
Winner: Ballymaloe House and Cookery School