End of an era at Highlands Hotel as Boyle family connection comes to an end

The Boyle family have been an integral part of the Highlands Hotel in Glenties for generations, and that connection has come to an end with the departure of Catherine Boyle. 

From Johnny Boyle’s fantastic artwork on the walls and his delicious chowder brewing in the kitchen to the friendliest of welcomes from the ladies serving food or playing a tune on the fiddle, the family had a hand in every aspect of hotel life. 

Time moves forward, and the hotel is under new ownership and will continue to be at the heart of the town as a bar and restaurant, entertainment venue and a welcoming place for visitors. It also remains an important employer in the town. 

And as Catherine completes her final shift, people have been sharing their memories of this most hospitable of families and of the Highlands Hotel over the decades.  

Glenties Community Development Group led the tributes, taking to Facebook on Saturday to say: “Today signifies the conclusion of a significant era at the Highlands Hotel, as Catherine Boyle wraps up her final shift, concluding the Boyle family's 76-year connection that began when Johnny Boyle Snr acquired the hotel back in 1948. 

“We extend our gratitude to the Boyle family and offer Catherine our best wishes for her future endeavours.”

Here is a small flavour of the huge reaction to the social media post, capturing the love and regard for the Boyle family in the Glenties community:

“Many happy memories from the Highlands Hotel as a child with my grandparents and peeping into the weddings in the ballroom!” - Jenny Shaw“The Boyle family were the forefront of the Highlands Hotel glenties, all my childhood memories, then my teenage memories, and of course later teen years at the 20ties Club Disco - every Saturday night we danced, romanced and had special family gatherings. Its been a beautiful homely environment for lots of families for many decades. Wishing all the Boyle family the very best wishes for the future” - Rosie Boyle

“Sad is not the appropriate way I feel Catherine ... but just know we wish you every success in your future, darling. It will be Mum and meself's first time ever going to the hotel without one of you being there, seeing all you beautiful seven girls, ladies now, and such wonderful ladies, grow up in the Highlands Hotel, we will miss you all, Mum and Dad so so much...wonderful memories, from MacGill to 'the spud house' omg..we will get together soon for a catch up. Best wishes from Mum n me.” - Rita O’Donnell Brennan

“The Boyle family were such a big part of putting our lovely wee village of Glenties right up there on the map. It’s quite emotional to think that really it is an end of an era, but best of wishes for much happiness sent to you Catherine on your new venture.”  - Katrina Gallagher

“Best wishes Catherine, many happy memories of my 14 years on reception in the Highlands Hotel.” - Anna Payne

“Best wishes Catherine in your next chapter. Nobody will ever forget the amazing times at the Highlands under the Boyle family. A new era but amazing memories.” - Mary Pratico