Summary
Clare's hospitality sector achieves notable recognition at the Irish Hotel Awards, with Shannon Springs Hotel winning three prestigious awards, including Best Four Star Hotel, Best Airport Hotel, and Best Hotel Bar. Ennis' Old Ground Hotel is celebrated as the Best Local Hotel in Ireland, contributing to a total of 11 awards garnered by the Flynn Hotel Collection. Co-owners John Gavin and Alan Flynn express pride in their teams and the acknowledgment of their establishments' contributions to the local community and tourism.
The awards highlight the importance of staff and management in delivering exceptional service and experiences to guests. Flynn emphasizes the significance of the Old Ground's connection to the community, noting collaborations with local schools, while Gavin points out the competitive nature of the awards, which involve independent assessments of various hotel aspects. Both owners agree that the overall guest experience, including service quality and value for money, plays a crucial role in attracting repeat visitors.
Despite the celebratory mood, the hospitality sector faces challenges such as rising operational costs and staffing pressures. Flynn highlights the difficulty in balancing pricing with customer expectations, while both owners acknowledge the impact of national recognition on attracting future staff and boosting bookings. They remain optimistic about the future, emphasizing the dedication of their teams and the importance of maintaining high standards in the industry.
Show Notes
Clare’s hospitality sector is celebrating some fantastic national success at the 2026 Irish Hotel Awards.
Shannon Springs Hotel picked up three awards, including Best Four-Star Hotel, Best Airport Hotel and Best Hotel Bar, while Ennis’s Old Ground Hotel was named Best Local Hotel in Ireland.
Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the awards and what they mean for tourism in Clare were John Gavin, co-owner of Shannon Springs Hotel, and Allen Flynn, co-owner of the Flynn Hotel Collection.
Photo (c) Irish Hotel Awards
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