Springview Farmhouse in Urlingford, Co Kilkenny was named Irish B&B of the Year by B&B Ireland, a national representative body for the B&B sector, at its AGM. Eileen Joyce was presented with a beautiful Waterford Crystal Lismore Diamond vase.
The awards shortlist was based on customer reviews from bandbireland.com, with the winner ("a B&B that went above and beyond for its guests") selected by independent adjudicator Charlie Boyle of Customer Service Excellence Ireland.
Springview (springviewbb.com) epitomizes the "core values of an excellent Irish Bed and Breakfast", Boyle says. "And some more that they add themselves in a most warm and hospitable way.”
B&B Ireland's bookings have been surging, it says, jumping by 15pc in 2016, with members' annual revenue rising by 19pc to over €9 million. Demand for B&B accommodation in Galway, Kerry, Cork, Dublin, Clare, Donegal, Antrim and Kilkenny now exceeds supply, it has said. The figures come from a relatively low base, with B&B bed nights and market share having plummeted in the face of hotel competition in the 2000s.
“B&B’s are usually run by just one or two people, yet they make a huge contribution to their local economies, particularly by attracting overseas visitors into rural areas," commented B&B Ireland chief executive, Helena Healy. "The reviews these B&Bs have received is testament to the exceptional service and experience they are delivering to their guests.”
Irish B&B of the Year finalists for 2017:
- An Rosalithir, Rosscarbery, Co Cork
- Bun A Bhaile, Ballyvourney, Cork
- Dromagowlane House, Adrigole, Co Cork
- Sunville House, Ballycotton, Co Cork
- Lis-Ardagh Lodge, Union Hall, Co Cork
- Springview House, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny
- Riversdale Country House, Carndonagh, Co Donegal
- Margaret Elliott, Ocean Breeze, Donegal Town, Co Donegal
- Honeysuckle Cottage, Ballymoney, Co Antrim
Overseas customers make up over 90pc of B&B Ireland bookings