BRÍD O’Meara, co-owner of the Lahinch Coast Hotel, tells The Clare Echo about what it takes to run a dynamic and welcoming four-star hotel on Clare’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Tell us about your business.
Lahinch Coast Hotel is a four-star hotel with 144 bedrooms, a leisure centre, a swimming pool, and a busy gastro-style bar and restaurant. In late 2018, my husband John and I became co-owners and took over the management of the hotel, which started the journey of a new brand and stylish refurbishment. This was a huge undertaking but one which I enjoy, especially being part of a dynamic team that constantly looks to improve standards.
Tell us about your journey.
I was keen on a career in tourism and hospitality from a young age. I studied Hotel Management in Galway RTC (now ATU) and had worked in hospitality even prior to college. I knew it was hard work, however, I also got the ‘buzz’ and always enjoyed trying to look after guests.
I tend to be drawn to scenic settings and leisure hotels. I grew up in Currow, Co Kerry, and after college, I worked in Kenmare, where I was promoted to the management team at the five-star Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare. After moving to Clare, I managed smaller intimate businesses. We have been living in Clare for 20 years this year and enjoy family life with our two children, Kayleigh (14) and Paddy (11).
In business, we have endured what can only be described as “a lot of highs and lows” over the years, such as the high of The Irish Open in Lahinch with a very busy opening season leading straight into the pandemic. Despite this early setback, our business and team have grown hugely, and we welcome a lot of repeat guests.
We have always continued the journey of upgrades, including bedroom refurbishments and enhancements to public areas. I believe this is very important to stay competitive. I don’t mind admitting it’s a little “pat on the back” if a guest comments on the classy new toilets or the extra bounce on the corridor carpet! That is the feedback we need to hear, along with good service and small individual improvements in each department. We are delighted to be Certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ again this year. We have over 100 employees in high season who are dedicated to creating a positive environment. We have also been awarded an Employer Excellence Award by Failte Ireland.
What are your biggest challenges?
Having to navigate the business through the various lockdowns and guidelines that were so new to everyone during the pandemic was definitely one of our biggest challenges. A lot of time is spent on people management, and of course, that is part of running a business—it can certainly be challenging at times, particularly being a seasonal hotel. At times, it’s impossible not to be slightly understaffed, but the vested interest from the people we have, along with treating our team well and being flexible with their personal situations, means we always get there in the end. John and I are not afraid of hard work, and it’s good to lead by example!
Despite the increased operational costs we are facing in hospitality, I am always grateful for great local suppliers in Lahinch and, of course, our staff.
What makes your business special?
Our great team of employees and our excellent location. The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Lahinch and within walking distance to Lahinch Golf Club.
What motivates you every day?
Good service in our different departments, seeing our guests relax and enjoy the hotel, and chatting to them after they discover the stunning area. Any good feedback from a guest is also a good motivator and generally involves a compliment about a member of our team, which gives me a great boost.
Do you think there are any issues for women in the workplace?
I am grateful not to have personally endured unfair issues for being a woman in business. I can only speak for myself as I am aware how females can be overlooked in some male-dominated businesses and workplaces. For me, the issue is “work-life balance,” and being a woman and a mother of two children brings a daily and weekly balancing act!
For more information about Lahinch Coast Hotel, please visit www.lahinchcoasthotel.ie or call 065-7081100. Facebook: @LahinchCoastHotel, Instagram: @lahinchcoast_hotel.
