2021 Award Winners IRISH BREAKFAST AWARDS 2021

IRISH BREAKFAST AWARDS 2021

HOTEL: The Mariner Westport Co Mayo

Formerly The Mill Times, this well located boutique hotel hit the ground running when it opened under new management in June 2020, re-named The Mariner. With a great welcome and hands-on hospitality from General Manager Colette Cave and friendly staff who care, it makes a pleasant and well priced base to explore the area and is within walking distance of all the town's attractions. Smart, contemporary public areas include a popular bar and Bistro@The Mariner, serving very good evening and daytime fare, as well as excellent breakfast and brunch menus for both residents and non-residents. House policy is to support local producers (Kelly's of Newport being a popular example) and personal supervision of breakfast service by the general manager sets an especially caring tone.

GUESTHOUSE: The Wild Honey Inn Lisdoonvarna Co Clare

Having been taken on by chef Aidan McGrath and his wife Kate Sweeney in 2009 and renamed The Wild Honey Inn, this prettily situated former hotel on the edge of Lisdoonvarna town soon had the world beating a path to its door. Together with established forces in the town like the Sheedys (of Sheedys Hotel) and the Curtins of Burren Smokehouse, they have made Lisdoonvarna a top destination for food lovers. Wishing to be seen as a pub offering very special food in an informal setting The Wild Honey is viewed mainly as a dining destination. But it is a true inn, offering rest, relaxation, refreshment and good company and it’s a really lovely place to stay. Several rooms are on the ground floor beside the lovely gardens at the back, and of course there is a very special breakfast to look forward to as well – simple, super-fresh and delicious, The Wild Honey’s exquisite breakfast offering is an exceptionally pleasant way to start the day.

B&B: Bervie Achill Island Co Mayo

John and Elizabeth Barrett’s magical beachside house was once a coast guard station and, since 1932, has been the ultimate escape for the many guests who have stayed here. It’s a low, tucked-in kind of a place with a little wicket gate giving direct access to the beach, and an other-worldliness which is very rare these days. Elizabeth was born here and, aside from the location and the charm of the house itself - which has style without being at all ‘decorated’ - it is the sense of continuity that makes it special; and, of course, she has the ‘hotelier’s gene’ which makes hospitality come naturally. A large dining room and conservatory overlook the bay, and this is where you will enjoy the home-cooked dinners prepared by their excellent chef, James, and a small kitchen team. Beautiful breakfasts, cooked by John, and served by Elizabeth and their lovely staff, are also a real treat, setting guests up for all the many activities that Achill has to offer - and this wonderful place has proved a joyful retreat for many during the time of Covid.