07 Apr 2017
Posted by Michelle Connor 
Rolf’s Country House in Baltimore, Co. Cork has been announced as the AA’s ‘Guest Accommodation of the Year’, an award bestowed to the best AA accredited Bed and Breakfasts, Guesthouses, and Farmhouses in Ireland. The award was presented by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD at a prestigious ceremony in Dublin on Thursday evening (6th April).
Run by siblings Johannes and Freiderike Haffner, the Country House employs a small local team, all dedicated to delivering culinary excellence and hospitality in a natural and welcoming manner.
On awarding the top honour, The AA’s Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan said: “Ireland’s Guesthouses and B&Bs are a unique part of the experience that visitors so enjoy. Time and again we hear of tourists who say that their holiday was made by the wonderful hospitality, warmth and character of our hosts in small accommodation providers. Co. Cork has always excelled for some reason and often features in AA Awards. But in Rolf’s we have a real treasure, something truly wonderful that would make you proud of what Ireland has to offer.”
Rolf’s Country House currently holds an AA Rosette for culinary excellence, awarded as a result of a carefully selected menu, locally sourced ingredients and exceptional cooking. The Guesthouse is renowned for its unfussy approach, allowing for the natural flavours of the quality ingredients shine through.
On accepting the award, The Haffners said: “We are honoured and delighted to receive such a prestigious recognition from the AA. Rolf’s is a family run establishment, we are proud to have served our customers for over 35 years. We are excited to share our love of good hospitality with our guests in the future.”
The AA’s top award of AA Hotel of the Year went to Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo.
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 major award winners at the AA ceremony this evening were:
AA Hotel of the Year: Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo.
Set in an iconic location on the shore of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle has been on a transformative journey since coming in to new ownership just four years ago. General Manager Niall Rochford and his team have been praised by the AA’s Inspectorate for consistently applying superb standards throughout the impressive Co. Mayo facility. It has managed to become both a favourite for locals and tourists and is one of the finest 5 Star Hotels in Europe.
AA Courtesy & Care Award: The Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin.
The Courtesy & Care award is a testament to excellence in customer care executed by hospitality staff and is not granted lightly. It is a reflection of the staff at an establishment rather than the buildings and grounds. An honour of a personal nature, the AA Courtesy & Care award reflects an establishment in which an AA Inspector would choose to stay themselves or to bring their own families.
