Hotel & Restaurant Times

03/12/2025

Are you Investing in Your Most Valuable Asset? Learn How Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet Enabled Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort to Thrive

Hotel Manager Patrick Kickham-Lennon completed a Level 7 Certificate in Applied HR Management through Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet, an achievement that has directly strengthened the resort’s ability to attract, retain, and empower its team.

“The benefits arising out of the training for us were transformational. Our staff turnover rate now stands at 11.01% against an industry average of over 30%." Patrick, Hotel Manager

Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet supports businesses operating in the hotel and guesthouse sector across Ireland, providing high-quality upskilling programmes and networking opportunities

👉 Find Out More: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/12/03/investing-in-your-most-valuable-asset-learn-how-ihf-skillnet-enabled-seafield-hotel-spa-resort-to-thrive/

Skillnet Ireland

03/12/2025

Connacht Hospitality Group Wins Tourism and Hospitality Award at the Galway Chamber Awards

"The award represents a proud moment for the organisation. It recognises the dedication, energy, and passion shown across the entire team and comes at an exciting time for the group as it prepares for the upcoming opening of its newest property, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay." Aisling Kennedy, Group Marketing Manager.

👉 Read More: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/12/03/the-connacht-hospitality-group-wins-tourism-and-hospitality-award-at-the-galway-chamber-awards/

https://www.facebook.com/61557018065337

03/12/2025

Flipdish appoints Brian O'Driscoll CDir as Chief Financial Officer as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Brian is a seasoned technology-sector CFO and Chartered Director with more than 20 years’ experience scaling high-growth organisations

'As Flipdish continues to scale, Brian's leadership will accelerate our strategy, sharpen our ex*****on, and unlock the next phase of growth for our customers and for Flipdish.” Conor McCarthy, co-founder and CEO of Flipdish

👉 Read More: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/12/03/flipdish-appoints-brian-odriscoll-as-chief-financial-officer/

02/12/2025

📣 New five-year national tourism policy welcomed by Irish Hoteliers

The new policy sets out a clear and achievable ambition to enhance the economic and social contribution of Irish tourism as a critically important employer, supporting one in ten jobs nationally – including over 69,000 people employed directly by hotels and guesthouses.

The Irish Hotels Federation welcomes the following policy targets set out by the Government:
✅ Overseas tourism revenue to grow to €9 billion by 2031 (+6% per annum excluding carrier fares)
✅ Domestic tourism revenue to grow to €5.8 billion by 2031 (+7% per annum)
Prioritise growth in the off-peak season (October to May)
✅ Grow visitor numbers by at least 7% per annum in less mature and emerging regions within Ireland
✅ Increase tourism employment by at least 9% by 2031 (compared with 2024)
✅ Reduce tourism-related emissions by 45% by 2030 (compared with 2018 levels)
✅ Adoption of advanced digital tools by at least 90% of tourism SMEs by 2031

“By placing tourism at the heart of Government policy, this new tourism plan will help ensure the right conditions are created to support the long-term development of our industry,” Paul Gallagher IHF Chief Executive

👉 Read More: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/12/02/hoteliers-welcome-launch-of-new-five-year-national-tourism-policy/

02/12/2025

🍸 Irish Bartender Darren Geraghty Places in the Top 15 Cocktails in the World at World Cocktail Competition 🍸
Darren has also been awarded Cocktail of the Year in the Classic Cocktail: After Dinner category. And earlier this year, Darren was named Best Cocktail Experience Winner 2025 at the Irish Restaurant Awards.

🏆 His success on the world stage now confirms his position among the best internationally.

"To come in the top 15 in the world overall and win a gold medal for Cocktail of the Year in the Classic Cocktail: After Dinner category, is amazing and I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received” Darren

👉 Read More: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/12/01/irish-bartender-darren-geraghty-places-in-the-top-15-cocktails-in-the-world-at-world-cocktail-competition/

02/12/2025

🏆 Cork International Hotel scoops two awards at IHI Hospitality Management Awards 🏆

🏆 Davina Murphy was named Accommodation Manager of the Year
🏆 Alex Kelly was awarded Food and Beverage Manager of the Year.

Deputy General Manager of the Cork International Hotel Edel Kavanagh was also nominated for Deputy General Manager of the Year for her dedication and impact on the hotel’s entire team.

"Davina leads with heart and precision and champions guest care, team development and operational excellence, setting the standard for exceptional front-of-house hospitality. Alex is known for his calm leadership, creativity and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. His ability to support and motivate his team has made a remarkable impact within the hotel.“ Eoghan Murphy, General Manager

👉 Read More: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/12/01/cork-international-hotel-scoops-two-awards-at-ihi-hospitality-management-awards/

02/12/2025

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) appeared before the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to discuss issues affecting

👉 Read the full opening statement from Michael Magner, President of Irish Hotels Federation: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/12/01/ihf-opening-statement-to-the-joint-committee-on-enterprise-tourism-and-employment-michael-magner/

02/12/2025

Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport Awarded Best Hotel at Fingal Chamber Awards 2025. The accolade recognises the hotel’s outstanding commitment to guest satisfaction, quality of service, and memorable hospitality experiences.

Guests described their stay as comfortable and well-managed, noting that the team paid close attention to even the smallest details to ensure their comfort.

👉 Read More: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/12/01/carlton-hotel-dublin-airport-awarded-best-hotel-at-fingal-chamber-awards/

28/11/2025

🎄Christmas recipes from The Europe Hotel & Resort 🎄

This Christmas, The Europe Hotel & Resort brings a touch of its culinary excellence to the festive season. Executive CHEF ALEX NAHKE and his team share a selection of their seasonal favourites.

🎄Dingle Goat’s Cheese with Crispy Brioche and Beetroot
🎄Braised Irish Lamb Shank
🎄Traditional Christmas Pudding

🌟 Bring a little five-star magic to your Christmas table
👉 Read More: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/11/26/christmas-recipes-from-the-europe-hotel-resort/

28/11/2025

27/11/2025

📣 Ashford Castle in Ireland Hotel comes to Pichet for one night only. Ashford Castle’s Star Chef Executive Head Chef Liam Finnegan Joins Pichet's Executive Head Chef Harry Quinn for a Five-Star Pop-Up.

"When chefs with the same passion come together, something special happens. I can’t wait to bring a taste of the West and Ashford Castle to Dublin and create an evening that’s all about craft, connection, and flavour.” Liam Finnegan

The event continues the restaurant’s Friends of Pichet series, now recognised as a standout fixture in Ireland’s culinary calendar.

📅 Date: 22nd February 2026 |
⏰ Time: From 4.00pm
📌 Location: Pichet

👉 View the menu and find out more: https://www.hotelandrestauranttimes.ie/2025/11/27/ashford-castle-comes-to-pichet-for-one-night-only/

27/11/2025

It’s that time of year , the IHI event, never fails to impress. Fabulous turnout for the awards ceremony tonight. Over 600 guests in attendance to honour the stars of the industry. Irish Hospitality Institute