15 new jobs created in Doolin

A County Clare hotel operator has announced the creation of 15 full-time jobs in Doolin. The Tír Gan Éan House Hotel, which closed last year under another operator, is to trade under businessman John Burke, who is the managing director of the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point and Hotel Doolin.

Mr Burke confirmed that the new positions bring to 125 the number of people employed full-time by the hotels.

A further 65 seasonal jobs will be generated at the three hotels between May and October.
Mr Burke attributed the jobs growth to a rise in domestic tourism numbers and the VAT reduction introduced for tourism operators.

“The fact that the lower VAT rate of 9% for the tourism industry will continue into 2013 is good news not only for the Irish tourism and hospitality sector, but also for consumers as the cost of accommodation can be maintained at extremely competitive rates,” he said.

Commenting on the opening of Tír Gan Éan House Hotel, which closed in September, Mr Burke explained, “The decision to acquire Tír Gan Éan is key to our strategy of providing quality accommodation at an affordable rate.

It will be marketed at overseas visitors, as well as the rapidly growing domestic market.”
General manager of Tír Gan Éan House Hotel and the award-winning Hotel Doolin, Donal Minihane said the hotel will offer “a boutique guesthouse experience, with an in-house bakery”.

“Doolin very much remains the jewel in the crown of North Clare tourism. Its scenic location close to the Burren and on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as its affiliation with the Irish traditional music scene has meant that the village has continued to attract visitors, despite the downturn in the global economy.

“While making a significant contribution to the local economy in Doolin, the reopening of Tír Gan Éan under new ownership is a significant addition to north Clare’s tourism infrastructure,” he added.