Mulranny Park Hotel has won a major tourism award in recognition of the quality and hospitality of its staff. The AA Courtesy & Care Award 2019 was presented by AA Director of Consumer Affairs, Conor Faughnan at an award ceremony in Mount Juliet on July 22.

The AA’s Hotel Inspectorate team commended Mulranny Park Hotel for the friendly approach of the entire team and a dedication to professional service. In addition, the 4* hotel is home to the 2 AA Rosettes Nephin Restaurant, described by the AA’s inspectors as the highlight of any stay.”

On awarding the honour, The AA’s Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan, said: “To win the AA Courtesy & Care award, the staff must not only be attentive to the needs of their guests, but must demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond where required to ensure each guest has a truly memorable experience. 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for the industry, and as we start to see hotels re-opening and people travelling within the country again, this dedication to the highest professional standards becomes even more important. For as difficult a year as 2020 has been, we now all have a chance to travel in Ireland and get to know our country a bit better, and few places do a true Irish welcome to the level that GM Dermot Madigan’s team provide.”

On accepting the award, General Manager Dermot Madigan said, “The AA Courtesy & Care award is really a recognition of the exceptional efforts that the team at Mulranny Park Hotel deliver on a daily basis. Many of our team have been with us for a number of years and that creates a culture of care in the hotel that feels like you are coming to a “home from home” in Mulranny. This award is even more important in the current environment to reassure all of our guests of our dedication to care and wellbeing of all of our visitors and team. To have received such an award from the AA is real honour and it is something that everyone involved with Mulranny Park Hotel is extremely proud of, and I want to thank the AA team for this wonderful recognition”

The AA’s top award of AA Hotel of the Year 2020 went to Mount Juliet Estate, Thomastown, Kilkenny.

The AA uses highly trained and experienced inspectors to personally visit every AA accredited hotel or Bed & Breakfast establishment that is accredited. The assessments of the standards of hospitality, service, cuisine, facilities and staff are the most exacting in the industry. Winners are selected in recognition of excellence in service and hospitality, as well as a clear demonstration of continuous improvement in the preceding 12-18 months.

Other winners of an AA Award this year were:

AA Hotel of the Year: Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny
Mount Juliet Estate continues to provide exceptional service, a warm welcome to all of their guests, and a dedication to providing excellent food options showing the best local product the region has to offer. In order to be selected as the AA Hotel of the Year, a property must not only meet the high standards in terms of service, cuisine and cleanliness, but must also demonstrate a drive to improve the guest offering year-on-year to ensure each visitor has a stay that won’t soon forget.

AA Guest Accommodation of the Year: Ghan House, Carlingford,
Dating from 1727, Ghan House oozes charm and comfort. Set in two acres of walled gardens, the house is within 50 metres of the centre of the medieval village of Carlingford, making it an ideal base for walking and touring the Cooley peninsula. Bedrooms are warm and well appointed, either in the house itself or in a converted barn in the grounds. The public rooms are comfortable, featuring log fires and relaxing armchairs; perfect for getting lost in a good book. Food is an important element of the business, with a successful cookery school operating here for many years. Dinner is a highlight of a visit, with an emphasis on artisan produce and, given its location, renowned Cooley Lamb. Breakfast is a real treat with a great choice of fruit compôtes and preserves.