Blue Book Press Releases

October 16th, 2009: Ireland’s Blue Book houses collected a number of awards at the Georgina Campbell Hospitality Awards 2010 which took place on October 16th in Bord Bia Offices in Dublin.

The most heart-warming win of the afternoon was for Kay McEvilly from Cashel House in Connemara. Kay was awarded the “Host of the Year” award; this comes as no surprise to anyone who has experienced the joy of staying with Kay in Cashel House. Kay is a caring and exceptionally perceptive host, knowing instinctively just when to make a contribution and when to hold back and give guests space.

Rathmullan House in Donegal was the recipient of the 'Just Ask' Restaurant of the Year Award - Sponsored by Bord Bia. “Just Ask!” is a public awareness campaign that aims to encourage consumers when eating out to look for information on where the food (particularly meat) on their plate comes from, and encourages chefs to provide this information on their menus. Good local food has always been central to the experience at this gracious nineteenth century house set in lovely gardens on the shores of Lough Swilly, run by William and Mark Wheeler, and their wives Yvonne and Mary.

Seafood Circle Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by BIM was won by Ahernes’s Seafood Restaurant in Youghal, Co Cork. The FitzGibbon family’s renowned East Cork bar and restaurant with accommodation is a big magnet for seafood lovers and they are previous winners of the Seafood Bar of the Year Award.

Gregans Castle in Co. Clare received the “Country House of the Year” award. Set in solitary splendour in the lunar landscape of the Burren, and surrounded by trees and gardens, Simon and Freddie Haden’s oasis of warmth, comfort and hospitality can be seen from miles around. This quiet retreat is a serious fine dining destination - gifted head chef, Mickael Viljanen, revels in the commitment to using local and organic produce which has always been a key feature of Gregans Castle. Gregan Castle won a second award on the day for “Country House Breakfast of the Year”

Other awards for Blue Book Houses included Ballymaloe House collecting the “Wine Award of the Year” and the Park Hotel Kenmare winning the “Hotel Breakfast of the Year”.

« Go Back