26 Sep 2013
Posted by Conor Faughnan 
Castleknock Hotel & Country Club in Dublin has received the highest accolade possible for an Irish Hotel having been chosen as AA Hotel of the Year. Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar presented the award to Guy Thompson, General Manager of FBD Hotels Dublin, at an event ceremony in Dublin this evening. The Hotel was chosen by AA Inspectors who have been hugely impressed by the consistent standards of excellence, innovation, attention to detail and service to guests.
“The team at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club are an example of the superb standards that the AA is finding in Ireland’s leading hotels on a consistent basis in recent times.” Says AA Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan. “No sector of our economy has been more challenged in the downturn but the response is fantastic. In Castleknock we find a passion for innovation and improvement. There is an entrepreneurial flair combined with a ceaseless determination to put the guest first. It results in an experience that is second to none; it is a hotel that deserves its success and is an inspiration to others.”
“Castleknock Hotel & Country Club has made the best of its location so close to the centre of the capital and has been very successful as a venue for conferences, weddings and events as well as being a beautiful setting for a Dublin city-break. The AA is proud to be associated with them and is delighted to be able to recognise their efforts with this unique and internationally respected award.”
Speaking at the award ceremony, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport said:
“Congratulations to Guy Thompson and his colleagues at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club. I am delighted to see that a hotel that I know well from my own area is receiving such a prestigious award. This will bring international recognition and a very significant boost to an Irish hotel that showcases everything that is good about the Irish hospitality industry. I know that the AA works very closely with the Irish industry both to encourage high standards in Ireland and also to help to bring international business to our shores.”
In accepting the award of AA Hotel of the Year Mr Guy Thompson said:
“This is a great boost to the team in Castleknock and we are delighted to have been chosen for the award. AA standards are extremely high and when a hotel receives an award like this it makes a bigimpact at home and internationally. We have worked really hard to continually improve the experience for our guests and it is very satisfying for that to be recognised by the AA. We take great pride in what we do at Castleknock Hotel and Country Club. Whether our guests are with us for a leisure break, a conference or weddings we like to think that everyone enjoys the experience and leaves the hotel wanting to return.”
In addition to the main award of AA Hotel of the Year a number of other establishments were honoured
with prestigious awards by the AA today. These are:
AA IRELAND GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR AWARD 2013/2014
Tankardstown House is located close to the village of Slane, Co Meath and is a worthy winner of the AA Guest Accommodation of the Year Ward 2013-14. The problem with visiting Tankardstown is that guests really do not want to leave it! The Conroy family and their friendly team cannot do enough to make a visit exceptional with a lovely easy going manner and genuine hospitality, yet managing a professional service. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and the perfect place to unwind, dine and celebrate.
It also boasts superb cuisine at the Brabazon Restaurant (so called as the house was once owned by Brabazon Morris in the mid-18th century). Housed in what was the cow shed and has been beautifully refurbished, the restaurant has achieved two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.
AA IRELAND COURTESY & CARE AWARD 2013/2014
Hotel Westport, Westport Co. Mayo receives the AA Courtesy & Care Award. This award is more personal in nature and reflects an establishment where the members of staff are so warm and welcoming that the AA Inspectors would recommend them to their own friends and family. There is a lovely atmosphere where very professional service is delivered with a genuine lightness of touch and a sympathetic and very welcoming feel. The Hotel and its setting are beautiful, notably the refurbished restaurant which has achieved an AA Rosette for its cuisine.
AA IRELAND BEAN AN Tí OF THE YEAR 2013/2014
Ms Dolores Jordan of Red River Lodge, Ballina, Co. Mayo. This uniquely Irish award recognises the special place in the Irish hospitality industry for the traditional Bean an Ti.
1 Comment
A well deserved award. I have stayed many times on business and leisure and each time has been excellent. Great staff and a really relax inning place to stay.
Congrats.