About Us | Links | Press Room | Sitemap
Press Room
EMBARGONovember 2005
Ireland’s Blue Book hosted its Annual General Meeting in Rathmullan House, one of its award winning Members, on the shores of Lough Swilly on Tuesday 8th November.
Four special properties have been invited to join this ‘exclusive club’ for 2006:
Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary - www.cashel-palace.ie - Owners: Susan and Patrick Murphy
Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Bushypark, Co. Galway - www.glenlo.com - Owners: The Bourke Family
Kilgraney Country House, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow - www.kilgraneyhouse.com - Owners: Bryan Leech and Martin Marley
The Merrion Hotel, Merrion Street, Dublin - www.merrionhotel.com - General Manager: Peter McCann
This inclusion of these unique establishments means that the Association can now offer an even wider choice of historic hotels, elegant accommodation and fine dining to their guests. The admission criteria ranks as one of the Industry’s most stringent, and an invitation to join the ranks of the Blue Book is an accolade sought after by many and achieved by only the chosen few.
The Blue Book association continues to grow both nationally and internationally, through its membership of the prestigious Historic Hotels of Europe where its Chief Executive, Hilary Finlay, serves as President of this important European alliance. This participation has opened doors to exciting new markets such as South America, Mexico, and the lucrative Far East, and positions Ireland’s Blue Book to spearhead the Irish tourist industry’s entry into the emerging Geo Tourism market. This is the new concept of managing tourism so that it sustains and enhances the geographical character of the place being visited - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well being of its people.
Ray Byrne from the Wineport Lodge in Co. Westmeath was elected President of the Blue Book at the annual meeting and sees his new role as a timely challenge “We warmly welcome the new Transport 21 initiative which will deliver easier access to some our finest, but somewhat remote properties. We have also commenced a strategic review for the Blue Book itself which will enable us to focus on the direction our Association needs to take in order to remain as the benchmark for delivering exceptional hospitality to guests, both Irish & International”.
Members of the Association have reported a good year in 2005 with increased business. However deep concern has been expressed about issues such as the decline in fishing holidays being taken in Ireland, due to poor stocks caused by drift net salmon fishing. There is significant potential to attract higher spending European visitors to experience the fascinating stories which are part of the Blue Book experience. However there is a grave danger that Ireland will lose its appeal as a heritage destination due to unregulated planning.
Commenting on its new membership, Brian Bourke from Glenlo Abbey in Galway said ‘we are absolutely delighted on our acceptance into Ireland’s Blue Book, and are honoured to be associated with some of Ireland’s favourite Country Houses and Restaurants such as Rathsallagh House in Wicklow, Chapter One Restaurant in Dublin and Bushmills Inn in Antrim”.
The newly published 2006 edition of Ireland’s Blue Book is available free from the Association at e mail: mail@irelandsbluebook.com or from local tourist offices at €3.00.
END OF RELEASE
Contact details:
Hilary Finlay
Ireland's Blue Book, 8 Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6769914
E mail: mail@irelandsbluebook.com
Mobile: 087 2327801
Ireland's Blue Book of Country Houses & Restaurants
7/8 Mount St Crescent, Dublin 2. Ireland
Tel: (+353) 01-6769914 | Fax: (+353) 01-6314990 | Email:enquiry@irelandsbluebook.com
