These business owners prove you can be a hospitality novice and still be successful …
Who hasn’t harboured the idea of running their own boutique hotel? I’m constantly adding to my imaginary mood board. Visits to Ett Hem in Stockholm, the Pond Suites at Marlfield House, Co Wexford and Cabu by the Lakes, Co Cavan are just some of the blue prints for my pipe dream of opening a book lovers’ retreat. Details include plenty of cosy reading nooks, breezy blue and white bedrooms with Ortigia lotions and potions, and a garden room, scented with pelargoniums, where breakfast is served. Quite how I will finance, let alone run this retreat is somewhat hazy. That’s why I am always in awe of women who have actually accomplished their dream.
Take Ciara O’Brien, who after 20 years in the corporate world, opened Barnahown in Michelstown, Co Cork. Her boutique-style guest house, in a renovated farmhouse, is popular with outdoorsy guests who can enjoy forest bathing, Ballyhoura mountain biking, tours of Mitchelstown Cave, River Blackwater fishing, and River Suir kayaking. Since opening she has expanded her offering to include accessible, pet-friendly rooms and has established “Run Your Own B&B” courses during which she shares the lessons she has learned.
She’s also mindful of nurturing relationships within her local community. “I’ve lost count of the favours I’ve asked of local restaurants, tour guides and shops but everyone is so gracious in helping out and guests love to know they’re getting that extra-special local touch.” Since opening she has become good friends with Norma, the owner of Praline Chocolate and Pastry Café. “Norma makes the most amazing afternoon teas and as I have a great farmhouse setting we now offer an afternoon tea experience once a month. It brings in lots of new local people for a look around; Norma and I have fun working on it together and it spreads the word about Barnahown.”
With an enviable view of the Rock of Cashel, the charming Hill House is a boutique-style guest house, a short stroll from the town and the Brú Ború Heritage Centre. It’s owned by Veronica and Ray Vere Hunt, dairy farmers who have diversified into hospitality with limited hospitality experience. “Go into it with your eyes open, but don’t be afraid to take the chance,” says Veronica wholeheartedly. “Starting a new business is definitely not for the faint-hearted. When we first bought Hill House, I was actually in hospital having our second child and working on the business plan at the same time which probably sums up those early days quite well.”
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that it’s okay to make mistakes, change direction and adapt your plans along the way. Know what you want to achieve, have a clear vision and don’t be afraid to keep going when someone tells you no.”
Listening to guest feedback is also important. “Some of the best changes we have made at Hill House have come from simply seeing what works, what guests enjoy and where we can improve.”
The five-bedroom B&B with a three-bedroom self-catering lodge is popular with multi-generational guests who can book the entire house for family gatherings, celebrations and for groups who want somewhere a little more private and personal. Veronica is already planning Christmas wreath-making workshops and a small Santa experience.
“There is rarely a day off when you are building something of your own, but I really believe that hard work pays off. And finally, enjoy it. Opening your home and meeting people and groups from all over the world is a very special part of running a B&B, and for us, that has made all the hard work worthwhile.”
Owned by sisters Aiveen Casey and Keelin Fitzgerald, The Jewel Lodge & Spa, Glengariff is an adults-only retreat with Scandi-style apartments that can be booked individually or together for larger gatherings. “Guests often comment on the quality of the apartments, but what really surprises them is the sense of peace they experience,” says Aiveen. Its Riverside Spa has a natural river plunge pool in addition hot tub and sauna pods. Behind the scenes has not always been so serene for the sisters whose journey from acquisition to completion was documented on Series 13 of RTÉ’s At Your Service. Both valued the experience and advice provided by hoteliers Francis and John Brennan, even if their criticism was hard to hear. “Our original business plan certainly didn’t impress them. But their criticism was always constructive. They never pointed out a problem without offering a better solution. One of the features we were most excited about was an indoor swimming pool, but they quickly put an end to that idea. Looking back now, they were absolutely right,” says Aileen.
Since opening they have been evolving their spa offering to include mid-week spa breaks to corporate away days while staying true to the original vision the Brennans helped them create. As for advice, they say, “Go into it with an open mind and be prepared to listen to people with experience. Hospitality is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Attract the type of guests you’ll genuinely enjoy welcoming, because meeting people from all over Ireland has honestly become one of the nicest parts of the job for us. We’re incredibly proud of what The Jewel has become.”
For more insights on opening a hospitality business watch the new season of At Your Service on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player now.
