National award for Ballyvaughan hotel

Ballyvaughan establishment Gregans Castle Hotel scooped yet another award when it was named AA Ireland Hotel of the Year at a ceremony in Dublin on Wednesday.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, presented second-generation owners and husband-and-wife team Simon Haden and Frederieke McMurray of Gregans Castle Hotel with the award of AA Ireland’s Hotel of the Year for 2011/2012, one of the most prestigious prizes in the Irish hospitality industry. 
Run by the Haden family since 1967, Gregans Castle Hotel is the first AA Three Red Star property in the history of the AA Ireland Accommodation grading scheme to be named AA Ireland’s Hotel of the Year.  Judged on the basis of its performance within its chosen field, the Burren retreat fought off tough competition from Ireland’s finest properties, including five-star resorts, to be crowned the ultimate winner.
On its journey to the title, Gregans Castle Hotel was also awarded the AA Ireland Courtesy and Care Award in 2006 in acknowledgement of their passion and commitment to excellent Irish hospitality. 
It was also awarded AA Red Star status in 1994, a standard it has retained ever since, making it a leader within the Country House Hotel category and an AA Inspectors Choice Hotel. 
A highlight of any stay at Gregans Castle Hotel is a visit to its restaurant, The Dining Room, which was awarded three AA Rosettes in 2010, making it one of only six restaurants in Ireland to hold three AA Rosettes or higher. This is considered a mark of culinary excellence and a salute to the extraordinary cookery of their acclaimed Finnish head chef, Mickael Viljanen. 
AA hotel inspectors described Viljanen’s dishes, which display a high level of intricacy and imagination, as being served with real panache. They also commended the use of fresh produce sourced from local artisan producers and lots of woodland foraging for fungi and herbs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ring said, “Hospitality professionals such as Simon, Frederieke and their award-winning peers are true ambassadors for Irish tourism.  It’s essential for Ireland’s tourism industry and for our wider economy, that Irish hospitality continues to be seen as second to none and that we continue to do ourselves proud in this area. Well done to the staff at each of the award-winning establishments on their excellent achievements.”
To claim this year’s title the hotel faced the dual task of demonstrating both excellence and improvement within the 18 months leading up to the awards. 
While already celebrated for its hospitality and outstanding modern European cuisine, the constant investment by Simon and Frederieke in the tasteful upkeep of the gracious country house was one of the key factors in their success this year, according to inspectors.
The environmental policy at Gregans Castle Hotel is another aspect that sets the Ballyvaughan property apart, according to AA hotel inspectors. A special ecotourism package is available to guests that encompasses walking, bird watching, gardens and food. Bicycles are also provided free to guests and a local walking guide can be made available for walks in The Burren. In addition, Gregans Castle Hotel is a founding member of The Burren Ecotourism Network, members of Slow Food Clare, the Burrenbeo Trust and Leave No Trace.
“Myself, Freddie and all the team here at Gregans Castle Hotel are extremely proud to be named AA Ireland Hotel of the Year 2012. We have and have had the extraordinary good fortune to have a small, committed team who are each imbued with the genuine desire to deliver the best possible product, no matter how much effort it takes. Our stunning location is a lucky given but our deep-felt passion and that of our staff to take the concept of a simple country house hotel and develop and deliver an all-round world-class product is what makes a proud achievement like today’s possible.
“This incredibly prestigious award is further evidence that developing a holistic ethos of quality, respect and customer care and an infinite commitment to improvement, innovation and environmental awareness should be the practice of any hotel or hospitality business striving to keep ahead and succeed in today’s difficult climate,” commented Simon Haden, proprietor and general manager of Gregans Castle Hotel.
Brendan Nevin, CEO of AA Ireland said, “Gregans Castle Hotel is a superb example of intrinsic Irish hospitality passed on from one generation to the next. 
“Their delivery of excellent yet environmentally sustainable tourism is truly commendable.  It’s an absolute pleasure to single them out as the first AA three-star property to win the illustrious title of AA Ireland Hotel of the Year.  Our heartfelt congratulations go to the whole team.”