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Private Notes
The first programme features Rita Malone from Poulaphouca House, Co Wicklow. Rita is unsure which direction the business should be taking and has toyed with the idea of creating a gourmet restaurant to attract new trade.
But Francis and John believe that Poulaphouca’s business potential lies elsewhere and that Rita should focus on attracting more wedding parties from the lucrative Dublin market.
But there’s a lot of work to be done if the Brennan’s plans are to be realised. Can Francis and John persuade Rita to change direction, turn round the business and help it reach its true potential?
Tonight’s programme features Nellie O’Boyle from The Ravine Hotel, Lisdoonvarna. Nellie knows that the hotel is in need of a makeover but doesn’t know where to start. There is strong competition from modern hotels nearby and Francis and John need to persuade Nellie to up her game. If she takes their advice she will have a mountain of work to do, but can she afford to ignore their advice?
Tonight’s programme features Avery & Niamh Coryell of Beach Haven House & Hostel in Tramore, Co Waterford. In addition to running their 8-bedroom B&B and 31-bed hostel, they are in the process of building six studio apartments.
With the June bank holiday looming, can they complete their building work before the busy summer season kicks in? And can Francis and John help them upgrade every aspect of the business and find ways to improve their out-of-season trade?
Tonight’s programme features Conor Tuohy who runs the Lahinch Golf Lodge in Co Clare. Though nominally a Golf Lodge, Conor has seen his market change as Lahinch’s popularity as a surfing destination increases. Francis and John encourage Conor to exploit the Lodge’s appeal to this emerging market. But Conor has several projects on the go at once and struggles to find the time to follow their advice. Can he upgrade to become a surfer’s paradise? Or will the new Surf Lodge be a washout?
Tonight’s programme features Wieslawa O’Brien from Tara Green B&B in Shannon, Co Clare. Her business has been badly hit by strong competition from new hotels in the area. To make matters worse, the re-scheduling of flights at nearby Shannon Airport has led to a fall in bookings. Can Francis and John help her to find ways to exploit what she has on offer, come to terms with branching out and to consider a radical change of direction?
Tonight’s programme features Nancy O’Hara from the Old Rectory in Shannon Harbour, Co Offaly, who, with no sign and no website, is indeed part of ‘The Hidden Ireland’. Can John and Francis encourage Nancy to stop treating the business as a hobby and to start marketing what’s on offer, find new customers and make more money? And can they ever persuade her to ditch her soft toys?
Tonight’s programme features Els Jongejans and Peter O’Connor, proprietors of Glenribbeen Lodge, Lismore, Co. Waterford who aim to create a truly eco-friendly B&B. Can they upgrade sufficiently to meet the latest stringent eco-industry demands? And, just as importantly, can Francis and John harness Peter’s enthusiasm and get him to focus on one project at a time?
Tonight’s programme features Ruby Johnston from Cherryville House in Kildare. Can Francis and John convince Ruby that her farmhouse needs to be upgraded to better suit the needs of the 21st century traveller without losing its homely feel?
