A farmhouse on the Ring of Kerry which promises guests panoramic views of Dingle Bay and the opportunity to feed mountain sheep has been declared the best Bed & Breakfast in Ireland.
Taobh Coille in Cahirciveen, Co Kerry is run by run by Agnes O'Sullivan and her husband John. It saw off competition from nine other finalists to win the competition which is based on reviews collected by B&B Ireland, the national body representing the Irish Bed & Breakfast sector.
“Our 2-night stay with Agnes and John was absolutely the best of our 10 days in Ireland,” started one review. “They treated us like long-time friends, invited us to eat with them… and John took us up the mountain to feed sheep. The view was amazing, and the meals Agnes and John served were perfect. Our only regret is that we had to leave but we’ll be back.”
Another guest raved about the warm welcome and the farm experience and said that if they could “capture one time of our trip in a snow globe to gaze at it every day, it would be the time we spent with Agnes and John”.
After she was presented with the award by Charlie Boyle of Customer Service Excellence Ireland at ceremony at the Aishling Hotel in Dublin on Wedneday afternoon, Ms O'Sullivan, who was a runner up in last year's competion, said she was shocked and thrilled to have won.
Mr Boyle said that with tourism numbers increasing it had “never been more important to ensure that the unique and cherished reputation of friendliness, warmth and welcome is embedded in how we accommodate and host the millions who visit our shores”.
He said Ms O’Sullivan and her husband John “clearly understand and deliver the authentic and genuine Irish welcome while providing an outstanding value for money quality product”.
Chief executive of B&B Ireland Helena Healy said the awards were run to "acknowledge the fantastic work B&Bs are delivering to guests all around the country". The reviews show that "for B&B Ireland guests, it's not just about good rooms and great home-cooked breakfasts. It's also about the welcome, the atmosphere and the local knowledge".
