Inishowen trio’s delight as Derry's Ebrington hotel wins top award

Derry’s Ebrington Hotel has been named AA Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland at the prestigious 2024 AA Hospitality Awards in London, with Donegal - and Inishowen - to the fore.

The four-star hotel’s Managing Director Cecil Doherty is from Ballyliffin; the hotel manager is Quigley’s Point native Gary Doherty and Buncrana’s Louise McColgan is the financial controller.

This accolade arrives just over a year after the hotel's grand opening in July 2023, cementing its place as a leading destination for hospitality and excellence in the region.

Managing Mr Doherty expressed his delight at the recognition, attributing the success to the hard work and commitment of his exceptional team: "We are absolutely delighted to win this award. It is a testament to our vision of creating a truly unique luxury hotel in the heart of Derry and to the dedication of our outstanding team, who consistently deliver superb service to our guests.

“The Ebrington has become a standout addition to Northern Ireland’s luxury accommodation offering, and this award reflects the time and effort invested by our team to ensure every guest has an exceptional experience. I am immensely proud of our staff for their dedication, and extremely grateful to both them and all our guests who have supported us along this journey."

READ MORE: Local Property Tax: Councillors vote to maintain 15% increase for five years

Hotel Manager, Mr McDonald echoed these sentiments, noting that consistency and the hotel’s ‘No Compromise’ motto have been key to their success.

"Our team lives by the belief of not compromising on standards, service, or product,” he said. “Whether it’s the warm welcome from reception, the culinary excellence in our kitchen, or the attention to detail in our housekeeping, every member of our staff is committed to delivering an outstanding experience. I’m proud to be part of this remarkable team and excited to continue welcoming guests from near and far to The Ebrington for years to come."

Nestled within one of the city’s most historically significant landmarks, the former Ebrington Barracks, this 89-bedroom hotel seamlessly merges modern luxury with Georgian elegance. It offers guests unparalleled views of Derry’s iconic cityscape, the River Foyle, and the Peace Bridge, combining newly constructed facilities with all the character of listed buildings.