Peter Lawler and Marguerite Howley of Castle Murray House Boutique in Dunkineeley receiving their award from Georgina Campbell
TWO Donegal businesses have won top awards at The Georgina Campbell Awards for hospitality.
At the Awards Ceremony held in Bord Bia in Dublin the “Hideaway of the Year Award” went to Marguerite Howley and Peter Lawler of Castle Murray House Boutique in Dunkineeley and “The B&B of the Year Award” went to Noreen and Jim Muldowney from Arranmore Island.
The awards were presented by Georgina Campbell, one of Ireland’s leading food and hospitality writers and current President of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild.
Presenting the award for “Hideaway of the year’’ Ms Campbell said: “For many years Castle Murray House Hotel was a destination of choice for its away-from-it-all atmosphere, laid back charm, comfort, pet friendliness – and its famous sea view restaurant. So there was consternation all round at the announcement, in January 2017, that the hotel and restaurant were closing and the business was to be restructured.
“But what has emerged at Marguerite Howley and Peter Lawler’s beautifully located clifftop property is delighting fans old and new. It has been rearranged a little but its well-deserved reputation as a relaxing hideaway is safe, and devotees can return to enjoy the stylish bedrooms with wonderful sea and coastal views over the ruined castle after which it is named. And, although the once-famous restaurant is missed, a delicious breakfast and light evening food for residents is served there, in the seaward corner of the hotel overlooking the sea and the ruined castle after which the house is named. A very special place – and still pet friendly too.”
Jim and Noreen Muldowney from Arranmore Island receiving their award
Speaking about best B & B award Ms Campbell said: “Just a scenic 20 minute ferry crossing from Burtonport on the mainland (itself just 15 minutes from the Regional Airport, Carrickfinn) Arranmore is a lesser known gem on the Wild Atlantic Way – which, alone, would make it a destination of choice for many.
“Jim and Noreen Muldowney offer excellent accommodation at their immaculate 4* B&B but there is more to it than that, as what they really offer their guests is a genuine slice of island life. And that includes bird watching, diving and snorkelling, or outings on Jim’s boat, the Elsie Jayne; his trips are so professional, there’s even a break for tea and some of Noreen’s home baked scones – and how often do you get a chance to catch your own fish, and eat it at the end of the trip? Walkers will love it too – visitor information and walking map provided. A lovely place to visit all year round – another reminder that Donegal just has to be discovered.”