Two Carlow hotels recognised at major national awards celebrating top employers

Two Carlow hotels have been recognised on the national stage after being honoured at the Irish Hotels Federation’s inaugural Quality Employer Awards.

Ballykealey House and Talbot Hotel Carlow were among the hotels celebrated at the awards ceremony, which took place last week at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone and brought together more than 70 hotels from across the country.

The awards recognise hotel teams that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to excellence in people development and HR best practices through their participation in the Irish Hotels Federation’s Quality Employer Programme.

Ballykealey House, Carlow, received Expert Level Certification, placing it among a select group of hotels nationally recognised for excellence in people management, employee wellbeing and workplace culture.

Talbot Hotel Carlow was also honoured on the night, receiving Advanced Level Certification in recognition of its achievements in HR best practices and its commitment to staff development.

Speaking at the awards, Irish Hotels Federation President Michael Magner said the Quality Employer Awards were about celebrating hotels that place people at the heart of their operations.

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He said: “Each and every property that participates in our Quality Employer Programme is striving for the same goal – to make their hotel a wonderful place to work and build a career. The importance of this cannot be overstated; our people are the beating heart of our industry.”

Mr Magner added that empowered and supported staff were “the defining characteristic of any successful hotel”, noting that hotels and guesthouses directly support more than 67,000 livelihoods nationwide, with over 270,000 supported across the wider tourism industry.

Chair of the awards judging panel, Dr Donagh Davern of Munster Technological University, said the standard across the finalists was exceptionally high.

“The judging panel were delighted to see evidence of a people-centric approach and the progress made in elevating the employer brand of the hotel profession.”

The IHF’s Quality Employer Programme provides member hotels and guesthouses with the tools and resources to enhance their HR practices and excel in people development. QEP Certification recognises workplaces that demonstrate excellence in their employment practices, promoting their commitment to operating as a Quality Employer.