The Tradition of Hospitality in Ireland

Following on from our post about The Brehon laws, our Guest Relations Manager, Danny McClure saw this blog post and we thought it would be very appropriate to share this with you. This article aims to explain why the tradition of hospitality is so engrained in the Irish culture.  We hope you enjoy it!

I remember returning home to Ireland after almost two years travelling back in 2007. I got as far as Heathrow and joined the check-in queue for an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin. The flight was subsequently delayed and I recall smiling as I noticed the sound level of conversation beginning to steadily rise. Irish people who had been strangers a short time earlier were now exchanging the latest travel news and engaged in friendly chat.

So why are Irish people among the friendliest in the Western world? I’ve always had an interest in ancient Irish history and culture which helps shines a light on a possible reason for one of our most enduring and popular character traits.

It turns out that in ancient Ireland, hospitality was mandated by law. Welcoming a stranger was an enforced cultural norm with a detailed set of customary guidelines. To refuse hospitality was to risk being shunned and sanctioned. This might seem a tad draconian and archaic nowadays, but there were several practical reasons for this law.

Ancient Ireland had no towns or major roads and areas were isolated by mountains, vast boggy marshes and huge forests. Encouraging a culture of hospitality promoted travel, trade and the exchange of new ideas, crafts and traditional arts. This led to a very vibrant rural society in ancient Ireland and helped forge a unified cultural identity.

Strangers could arrive unannounced at the door of any Irish homestead and be expected to be provided with hot water, a warm meal of meat and veg, a clean bed of straw and entertained with music, poetry, songs and stories by the fireside. This custom is reflected in the Irish language in one of the most popular phrases, céad míle fáilte, which translated means ‘a hundred thousand welcomes.’

I believe that this ancient code of hospitality has left a cultural imprint on Irish people who came to recognise the mutual advantages that come with a friendly and outgoing disposition and giving strangers a warm welcome...

This might be the perfect time to visit Ireland and experience the warmth, wit and hospitality of its people for yourself, in this year of the Gathering 2013.

Read more at http://www.vagabondish.com/irelands-enduring-culture-of-hospitality/#XbWbMUOghboM2J1G.99 

The Brehon Laws

Welcome to The Brehon Killarney

Let us amaze you

By custom and culture, the Irish are a hospitable people. Visitors to Ireland happily testify to the warmth of the welcome. But not many realise it is a culture enshrined in ancient Irish law.

The Brehon Laws governed the ancient society of Erin in the days when an emerging Roman Empire sought to civilise mainland Europe. Under Brehon Law, it was an obligation to offer hospitality to anyone who happened upon your dwelling place. But few regarded it as an obligation; they felt it was a privilege to offer a roof, sustenance, warmth and a welcome.

My family’s ancestors were among the first to embrace those laws. We are proud to adhere to them still – and to give expression to that great tradition in a Hotel where we blend the best of the old and the new under the banner that proclaims our heritage.

The Brehon represents the pinnacle of our experience – and our pride. It is the welcome that the O’Donoghue Family have extended for generations.

It gives me great pleasure to bestow this welcome to you – Céad Míle Fáilte.

I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay with us and thank you once again for choosing The Brehon, Killarney.

Mr. Patrick O’Donoghue

Managing Director

                                                                                                                                   

Welcome

I wish to warmly welcome you to The Brehon. I trust you will have a most enjoyable stay.

At The Brehon, we offer a broad range of facilities and services, which are included in this Guest Information Directory. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of my management Team.

Gary Curran

Hotel Manager

THE BREHON WAY

The O'Donoghues are a family whose ancestors were among the first to embrace the Brehon laws. Keeping true to the essence of those laws on hospitality - they welcome you to celebrate with them The Brehon Experience. 

The Brehon Laws Brehon Laws were civil laws that governed everyday life in the 15th Century and were concerned with payment of compensation for harm done and the regulation of property, inheritance and contracts. The name Brehon comes from the Irish word for 'Judge'  Passed on orally from at least the first century BC the Brehon Laws, named for Ireland's wandering jurists, were first set down on parchment in the seventh century AD, using the newly-developed, written Irish Language, and continued in use until the beginning of the seventeenth century.

The Brehon Way programme ensure both Management and Staff here in the Hotel embrace the Brehon Laws to enhance your customer experience. The Story of our Logo The Salmon depicted in The Brehon logo represents the Salmon of knowledge - from Irish Mythology. The story goes that the poet Fiegas spent 7 years fishing for this salmon, because he knew if he caught it and ate its flesh he would have all the knowledge in the world. When he caught it he asked his young apprentice Fionn to cook it. As he cooked it Fionn burned his thumb and sucked it to relieve the pain. When Fionn gave the cooked fish to his boss, Fiegas saw from the light in Fionn's eyes that he had gained all the knowledge and wisdom of the salmon. Fionn later became the leader of the Fianna famed heros of Irish myth.  The Story of Danú In Irish mythology, Danú is the mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann Old Irish: "The peoples of the goddess Danú "). Though primarily seen as an ancestral figure, some Victorian sources also associate her with the land. Danú was considered as the mythic mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Celtic tribes that first invaded Ireland. Indeed, the Thuata Dé were the descendants of the goddess Danú, and in some local instances, the ruler of the otherworld was a goddess, rather than a god, just as some folktales represented the otherworld as 'the Land of Women'. Danú may be connected with Bridget, daughter of Kildare and of learning, culture and skills.

Donagh Davern Appointed Regional General Manager Of The Gleneagle Group

Donagh Davern Appointed Regional General Manager

Of The Gleneagle Group

The Gleneagle Group, based in Killarney, has announced the appointment of Donagh Davern to the role of Regional General Manager. Donagh will be responsible for a number of properties within the group, including The Brehon, and will join the group’s Senior Management Team.

Donagh has over 20 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, most recently in Cork, where he was Chairman of the Cork branch of the Irish Hotels Federation.

He has been responsible for a number of prestige properties including The Kingsley Hotel Group, The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort and The Killarney Park Hotel.

“I am thrilled to be joining The Gleneagle Group. My entire career has been spent in the hospitality industry and I look forward to continuing this tradition by providing ‘best in class’ services to The Gleneagle Group’s current and future customers,” says Donagh.

The Gleneagle Group represents a selection of Ireland’s best known and most highly regarded hotel, entertainment and holiday destinations including The Gleneagle Hotel and Apartments, The INEC, The Brehon, Scotts Hotel and The Travel Inn in Killarney as well as The Maritime Hotel in Bantry.

 “We are very excited to welcome Donagh to the Group,” says Patrick O’Donoghue, Managing Director of The Gleneagle Group. “Not only will he bring a tighter focus to customer service, but will also will be a great role model for our employees and further strengthen the relationship with all our stakeholders.”

Valentines @ The Brehon

Valentine’s at The Brehon, Killarney

Couples needn’t travel to a remote island at the end of the earth in search of the perfect romantic getaway this Valentine’s. With lovers’ walks, secluded lakeshores and stunning waterfalls aplenty Killarney has much to offer those in search of that perfect romantic getaway.

And after a romantic day exploring Killarney National Park where better to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign then on the door of one of the many suites at The Brehon.  This hotel’s aptly named “Do Not Disturb” package includes two night’s accommodation and breakfast in bed each morning. There will be a chilled bottle of prosecco and strawberries awaiting your arrival. While the fluffy bathrobes supplied will be yours to take home.

The Brehon “Do Not Disturb” package is available from Friday, February 10 to Thursday, February 16 and costs €185 per person sharing midweek and €215pps at weekends and an upgrade to a suite is optional.

For the ultimate in romantic luxury opt for a Couple’s Massage at the Angsana Spa at The Brehon. Staffed by expert Thai therapists, The Angsana Spa at The Brehon is the European flagship of the celebrity worshipped Banyan Tree Spas so a better spa treatment in Ireland is hard to find. Couples Massages cost from €180 for a ninety minute session.

“Honeymooners and love struck couples travel from all over the world to stay with us in The Brehon and experience all the magic Killarney has to offer,” says Gary Curran, General Manager of The Brehon.

“We created our “Do Not Disturb” package as we felt it was time to remind everyone in Ireland that one of the most romantic destinations is right here on your doorstep and that you needn’t travel thousands of miles or spend thousands of euro to find romance.”

For further information or to book this package call The Brehon on 064 30700 of visit www.thebrehon.com

**ENDS**

Package Summary:

And after a romantic day exploring Killarney National Park where better to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign then on the door of one of the many suites at The Brehon.  This hotel’s aptly named “Do Not Disturb” package includes two night’s accommodation and breakfast in bed each morning. There will be a chilled bottle of prosecco and strawberries awaiting your arrival. While the fluffy bathrobes supplied will be yours to take home.

The Brehon “Do Not Disturb” package is available from Friday, February 10 to Thursday, February 16 and costs €185 per person sharing midweek and €215pps at weekends and an upgrade to a suite is optional.

Christmas In Killarney

Well it that time of year again. I was walking through town last week and saw one of Killarneys famous horses with a bright red nose, no it wasn't because he forgot his hat or was in need of a lemsip. It was one of Killarney's many events going on over Christmas.

The christmas in Killarney brochure is jam packed this year. As a father myself I would have to say its great to be able to ramble around town on an afternoon and have reindeer in one corner, sleigh rides (with our above mentioned horse) going on all around us and of course the mountains of sweets and various types of candy available along the streets (for the kids of course).

Also there is a number of great concerts and functions going on over the Christmas period. There are some fantastic Irish bands playing over the festive period from Imelda May to The Saw Doctors and to kick of the New Year in mysterious fashion Keith Barry will be paying us a visit. Also for the kids Bob the Builder will be popping along to show demonstrate how to do those all important home improvements!

Santa will be calling to us on christmas eve and we have a long chimney so our chefs will be putting out an extra helping of cookies for the man in the big red suit. Also the chefs here at the Brehon have some wonderful homemade Jams and Christmas Puddings available at the reception. I have personally tested them all and I can confirm they are simply delicious!

I wish you all a very happy & warm Christmas and a delightful & prosperous new year.

Best of Seasons Wishes

Danny McClure 

Guest Relations Manager

Christmas at the Brehon, Killarney 2011

Christmas at The Brehon, Killarney 2011

www.thebrehon.com

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The Brehon, Killarney where they are putting the finishing touches on their thirty-foot-tall Christmas Tree.

Their theme is simple… open fires, mulled wine, great food, relaxed atmosphere and incredible views of Killarney’s beautiful landscape. You can explore the winter wonderland that is Killarney National at your leisure or simply chase the winter chill from your bones in The Angsana Spa, complete with steamroom, saunas, hydrotherapy pools and more.

Their  three night Christmas package includes the following:

The festivities begin on Christmas Eve with a Mulled Wine Reception and dinner in Danú Restaurant followed by live entertainment in The Brehon Bar.

Christmas morning starts with breakfast in Danú followed by a walk through the winter wonderland of Killarney National Park. Santa Claus stops by in the afternoon for his annual visit with presents for all. Then it’s time to dine as the award winning team of chefs serve a sumptuous six course gourmet Christmas day lunch. Relax and enjoy a book or a board game before returning to the restaurant for the exquisite Champagne Buffet followed by live entertainment in The Brehon Bar. 

St Stephen’s Day begins with brunch in Danú, followed by a guided walk through Killarney National Park, complete with a packed lunch. Spend your afternoon relaxing in The Brehon Bar with an Irish coffee while enjoying some traditional music. Dinner is served in Danú on St Stephen’s evening and this will be followed by live entertainment in The Brehon Bar.

The Brehon Christmas packages draws to a close on December 27 but not before you enjoy a full Irish Breakfast.

The price inclusive of the three day festivities including all meals outlined above costs €549 per person sharing; there is also a two day option available for €429 per person sharing. Children’s rates are also available - it costs €249 per child sharing for the three day package or €189 for the two night package.

Guests can also avail of the various indulgent treatments of offer at the Thai Angsana Spa, simply visit The Brehon website for a full list of what’s on offer.

For further information call 064 6671543 or log onto www.thebrehon.com

Package Summary

Special three day Christmas package at The Brehon, Killarney

3 night’s dinner, B&B and Christmas Day Lunch: €549pps, €249 per child sharing

2 night’s dinner, B&B and Christmas Day Lunch: €429pps, €189 per child sharing