SweetDreams

Luxury mattress and bed manufacturer, Irish Contract Beds (ICB), is forecasting a bumper year for production following the Irish company’s expansion of its production facility which will see it increase its manufacturing capacity substantially in 2023.

Established in 2007, Irish Contract Beds has more than 15 years’ experience in the manufacturing of beds and mattresses and has been supplying large and independently owned hotels, B&B’s and student accommodation throughout Ireland and the UK for over 10 years. The company’s decision to expand production follows a successful year in 2022, which saw the business secure over 50 new contracts with some of Ireland’s top hospitality and student destinations.

Speaking about the decision to invest, Head of Sales at Irish Contract Beds, Áine McCann said: “Following the pandemic and the renewed popularity of the staycation, we experienced a large increase in demand for mattresses and beds from hotels who were looking to ‘up their game’ and elevate their offering in order to stand out in the competitive Irish hotel and accommodation landscape.

“2022 saw steady growth for our business as we acquired new clients in the hospitality sector from locations across the country and it seemed prudent to expand our production capabilities to meet an increased demand in the market for quality, high-end products.”

ICB is a sister company of leading online bed and mattress retailer, DFI Beds, sharing a manufacturing facility with the brand, which gives ICB the unique advantage of being able to offer the same quality, quick turnaround and competitive pricing that DFI Beds is known for. It also gives Irish Contract Beds the unique capability of being able to cater to orders of any size (from one mattress / divan bed to thousands of mattresses / divan beds) and the benefit of a large manufacturing team with many years of experience in mattress and bed manufacturing under their belt.

“With the quality of mattresses improving dramatically across the board, there’s a pressure on hotels to ensure that they are offering their guests a night of sleep that is unlike the sleep they get at home. We work with our customers to provide them with the perfect mattress for their hotel and clientele to ensure they give guests the best night’s sleep of their lives!”

With Irish Contract Beds, you can be confident that you’ll be delivering an exceptional sleep experience to your guests.

To find out more, please visit www.irishcontractsbeds.ie, email aine@irishcontractbeds.ie or call today us on +44 (0) 28 8644 3696.

Clew Bay Hotel

IRELAND’S THREE STAR HOTEL

Ireland’s Three Star Hotel went to Westport’s Clew Bay, where an excellent breakfast and friendly staff are the order of the day. Judges commented on the quality of service, the cleanliness of rooms and knowledgeable staff. This is a hotel where staff training is very evident. A most worthy winner.

The Mustard Seed

IRELAND’S COUNTRY HOUSE & GUEST HOUSE EXPERIENCE

Led by John Edward Joyce and Breda O’Kelly, The Mustard Seed is an institution in Co Limerick. This is a place that ‘feels like your own house’, where customer service is placed front and centre. Staff are friendly and welcoming and food is just as important as the service.

The Spa At Ashford Castle

IRELAND’S FIVE STAR HOTEL SPA EXPERIENCE

Step into an oasis of calm and tranquility at the Spa at Ashford Castle. Judges were impressed by the excellent treatment and therapist at the Spa, along with the beautiful relaxation room and pool. Not surprisingly, The Spa at Ashford Castle was awarded ‘Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa’ in 2021 for the sixth year in a row at the World Spa Awards. A most deserving winner in this hotly contested category.

KILRONAN CASTLE ESTATE & SPA

IRELAND’S FOUR STAR HOTEL SPA EXPERIENCE

From the very first phone call to leaving the Spa, judges found staff at Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa to be extremely courteous and welcoming. After excellent treatments, judges left the Estate feeling pampered, well looked after and refreshed. “Every member of staff should be so proud of the work they do. This was nothing short of a pleasure.”

HARVEY’S POINT HOTEL

IRELAND’S HOTEL BREAKFAST

This definitely isn’t your average hotel breakfast. Judges described omelettes cooked to order, ham carved in the dining room and several different stations catering to all dietary requirements. A breakfast chef on buffet throughout the morning ensures items are constantly replenished, while the option of porridge with Bailey’s make this a most considered and diverse breakfast.

Mulranny Park Hotel

IRELAND’S FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTEL

A most worthy winner in the Family Friendly category, Mulranny Park has it all. Bedroom options are varied, while family activities include ghost hunts, cinema room, sea shore safari, animal trail and kid’s playroom. Family picnic bags add the finishing touches to a picnic on the beach or a day out on the bike.

Mount Juliet Estate

IRELAND’S AFTERNOON TEA HOTEL

It would be impossible to fault anything about the afternoon tea service at Mount Juliet. Judges commented on the magnificent setting in the drawing room of the Manor House and the excellent staff – “the lady in charge is exceptional and has been there for almost 25 years. She’s seen it all!” Whether you’re vegan or a gluten free pescatarian, all dietary requirements are catered for. This is a delicious, locally sourced afternoon tea and a most deserving winner.

SPONSORED BY

The Westin Dublin

IRELAND’S CITY HOTEL

A superb welcome from the Doorman at the front door of the Westin Dublin make for a great start to a stay at this luxurious city centre hotel. Judges commented on the hotel’s proximity to the city centre, the option of valet parking and the warm welcome from staff on reception.

Markree Castle

IRELAND’S WEDDING HOTEL

Judges were ‘wowed’ by the wedding offering at Markree Castle. One judge, who has worked in hotels for 12 years and managed weddings for over five, was simply blown away by the high quality of the venue, the food and the service provided by an excellent team of staff who go above and beyond to create a couple’s special day.

The Flynn Hotel Collection

IRELAND’S HOTEL GROUP

Founded by Niall and Dottie Flynn and managed today by John, Allen and Pierce, The Flynn Hotel Collection is committed to outstanding employee care, sustainable growth and protection for the local environment and community. With properties ranging from The Imperial in Cork, The Park Hotel in Dungarvan, The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis and The Newpark in Kilkenny, Flynn Hotels offers its guests a fantastic experience in accommodation, dining and true Irish hospitality.

Great Southern Killarney

IRELAND’S BUSINESS & CONFERENCE HOTEL

This is a hotel that’s made for business. An ideal location in Co Kerry, the events centre at the Great Southern can cater for up to 950 delegates. A host of larger conference rooms and smaller meeting spaces ensure conferences and events of all sizes are catered for.

SPONSORED BY

GATHER & GATHER

SPONSORED BY

IRELAND’S SITE CONTRACT CATERER

This is, says judges, a magnificent contract catering unit. All food is provided free of charge to staff at the two sites inspected by judges, which number over 2,000. Judges commented on the high standards of hygiene and the superb reaction of staff to customers. “It’s difficult to find fault with the quality, variety, presentation and flavour of food. This is contract catering on another level.”

SPONSORED BY

Marymount University Hospital And Hospice

IRELAND’S HEALTHCARE CATERER

The Twelve Hotel

IRELAND’S WINE EXPERIENCE

Staff at The Twelve know their wine. Judges commented on their superior knowledge of wines and the excellent wine service that the hotel has become known for. The wine list at restaurant West mirrors the restaurant’s menu –sophisticated yet accessible, taking inspiration from around the world.

The Hound At Mount Juliet Estate

IRELAND’S HOTEL CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE

The Hound at Mount Juliet Estate redefines the concept of casual dining. Dishes on the menu are top quality, seasonal and sourced locally. A beautiful setting, attentive staff and an extensive wine menu make this a most deserving winner.

Hayfield Manor

IRELAND’S GUEST EXPERIENCE

Located in Co Cork, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice is the deserving winner of this year’s ‘Healthcare Caterer’ award. Judges described the faultless service, the friendliness of staff and genuine care they show for patients. A commitment to sustainability is also very evident; there are no plastic bottles, no bins in the offices and a food composter is in use. SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY

Warm and welcoming staff make Hayfield Manor a most worthy recipient of Ireland’s Guest Experience for 2022. Judges commented on the hardworking staff and also how each employee was happy to stop for a chat. Customer experience is clearly a priority at Hayfield.

JONATHAN KEANE, THE LODGE AT ASHFORD CASTLE

IRELAND’S CHEF OF THE YEAR

Jonathan Keane joined the team at The Lodge at Ashford Castle as Head Chef in 2012 and since then has served an array of innovative dishes daily, utilising ingredients grown on the estate. Judges described his food as interesting, inventive and surprising and it just keeps getting better. Local produce, fresh herbs and surprising combinations are the order of the day.

Adare Manor

SPONSORED BY

Brook Lane Hotel

IRELAND’S MENU PROVENANCE AWARD

IRELAND’S FINE DINING HOTEL RESTAURANT

Dining at Adare Manor is, said judges, an elevated experience. Dishes are locally sourced, creative and delicious while service is impeccable. Judges described a simply incredible experience from start to finish.

Castle Leslie Estate

IRELAND’S FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY

AGHADOE HEIGHTS HOTEL & SPA

IRELAND’S FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM/TEAM MEMBER

Local food suppliers are showcased extensively at Casey’s Restaurant at Brook Lane Hotel. ‘Made near Here’ items feature on the restaurant’s blackboard each day, while the hotel also produces its own pork. Judges commented on the ‘excellent’ sausages and eggs and a commitment to promoting local artisan producers.

Excel Recruitment

IRELAND’S INNOVATIVE SUPPLIER

FIADH LITTLE, CASTLEMARTYR RESORT

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

SILVER & BRONZE AWARDS WINNERS

IRELAND’S FIVE STAR HOTEL

Silver - Hayfield Manor

Bronze - Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

IRELAND’S FOUR STAR HOTEL

Silver - The Montenotte Hotel

Bronze - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa

IRELAND’S FIVE STAR RESORT

Silver - Ashford Castle Hotel

Bronze - The K Club

IRELAND’S FOUR STAR RESORT

Silver - Galgorm

Bronze - Ballynahinch Castle

IRELAND’S FOUR STAR HOTEL SPA EXPERIENCE

Silver - The Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf & Spa Hotel

Bronze - Kelly’s Resort Hotel

IRELAND’S SITE CONTRACT CATERER

Silver - Sodexo, Stryker, Anngrove

IRELAND’S HOTEL CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE

Silver - The Dunloe Hotel and Gardens

Bronze - Dingle Benners Hotel

IRELAND’S WINE EXPERIENCE

Silver - The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Bronze - Tankardstown House

IRELAND’S GUEST EXPERIENCE

Silver - The Imperial Hotel

Bronze - The K Club

IRELAND’S CHEF OF THE YEAR

Silver - Meeran Manzoor, The Blue Haven

Silver - Tom Doyle, Mount Falcon Estate

IRELAND’S SUSTAINABILITY / LEADING GREEN HOTEL

Silver - Clew Bay Hotel

Bronze - Fernhill House

IRELAND’S THREE STAR HOTEL

Silver - The Wyatt Hotel

Bronze - Castle Arch Hotel

IRELAND’S COUNTRY HOUSE & GUEST HOUSE EXPERIENCE

Silver - Dunbrody Country House Hotel

Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel

IRELAND’S FIVE STAR HOTEL SPA EXPERIENCE

Silver - Aqua Sana at Center Parcs Longford Forest

Bronze - ESPA at The Europe

IRELAND’S HOTEL BREAKFAST

Silver - The Imperial Hotel

Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel

IRELAND’S AFTERNOON TEA HOTEL

Silver - Ashford Castle Hotel

Bronze - Dingle Benners Hotel

IRELAND’S FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTEL

Silver - Sligo Park Hotel

Bronze - Clonakilty Park Hotel

IRELAND’S CITY HOTEL

Silver - Granville Hotel Waterford

Bronze - Temple Bar Inn

IRELAND’S WEDDING HOTEL

Silver - Mount Juliet Estate

Bronze - Fernhill House

IRELAND’S BUSINESS & CONFERENCE HOTEL

Silver - Cork International Hotel

Bronze - Lyrath Estate

IRELAND’S HOTEL GROUP

Silver - Killarney Hotel Group

Bronze - Dalata Group

IRELAND’S MENU PROVENANCE AWARD

Silver - Ballymaloe House

Bronze - Castlewood House Dingle

IRELAND’S FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM/TEAM MEMBER

Silver - Dylan Hotel

Bronze - The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney

IRELAND’S FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY

Connacht - Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa

Leinster - Ashling Hotel

Munster - Muckross Park Hotel & Spa

Ulster - Castle Leslie Estate

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Silver - Ashling Hotel Dublin Reservations Team

Bronze - The Address Citywest Team

IRELAND’S FINE DINING HOTEL RESTAURANT

Silver - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa

Bronze - Tankardstown House