Hotel Doolin will host families and elderly over Christmas
A Co Clare hotel has opened its doors to families and people who live alone in an effort to alleviate their financial burden and loneliness this Christmas.
Hotel Doolin, in picturesque Doolin in the west of the county, has been working with the St Vincent de Paul who have selected those who deserve the welcome festive break.
Hotel Manager Donal Minihane and his family will also stay in the hotel from today until St Stephen’s Day acting as host to their guests.
Mr Minihane said: “We will be hosting elderly people who will be on their own for Christmas as well as young families who are struggling financially that little bit over the Christmas. We normally close for the three days over Christmas and it struck us that as the hotel is lying empty we could put it to use for those who might appreciate being looked after, or those who wouldn’t normally get to go away for a break over the holiday.”
“So, we decided to gift the hotel to people who would appreciate it and we contacted St. Vincent de Paul in Ennis and floated the idea with them and they were delighted to come on board,” he added.
“The hotel has 17 rooms so 16 of them have been filled by St. Vincent de Paul and my wife, two girls and myself are going to stay in the other room and be the hosts for the few days. Altogether we’ll have 24 adults and 26 kids staying with us from Christmas Eve to St Stephen’s Day,” Mr Minihane said.
“They’ll check in on Christmas Eve and we have Santa Claus arriving that evening to meet the kids. We’ll have some music and a Christmas Eve supper, a lovely breakfast the next morning and then Christmas dinner followed by more music and a buffet that evening, with everybody checking out on St. Stephens day,” he added.
Most hotel staff members have volunteered their time at some stage over the few days and many of the hotel’s food suppliers as well as local people and businesses in Doolin have contributed in some way also.
“A lot of the most vulnerable in our society find Christmas a stressful time. Hopefully our offer will ease the burden for some of them and hopefully we’ll give them a Christmas to remember. We’re certainly looking forward to it, and looking forward to making a few new friends come Christmas Eve,” Mr Minihane added.
Hotel Doolin which opened in 2007 is an award winning boutique hotel with a strong environmental and charitable ethos.
It hosts many annual events including the Doolin Folk Festival, Doolin Writers Weekend, Doolin Craft Beer Festival and Doolin Harley Weekend and is a hub for musicians, artists, writers.
The Clare Herald 
Well done to the manager and his family aswell as the three owners on such a lovely gesture. Have visited this hotel regularly over the years and will continue to do so.
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Posted by Sarah | January 6, 2015, 11:05 AMFair play to the family that own the hotel, lovely thing to do. If we are ever in the area will be sure to give them our custom. Clap on the back to them and their staff and anyone who contributed or were involved. Also SVP, as usual! Only charity I support!
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Posted by Marie K | December 31, 2014, 3:00 PMuplifting to hear about this-inspirational – will visit this summer :) Blesssed be !
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Posted by Rob P | December 30, 2014, 7:05 PMBrilliant idea. Lovely to have St. Vincent De Paul involved. Best of luck to owners and family, deserve to be lucky! Wonder which of family thought of idea???
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Posted by martin nolan | December 30, 2014, 5:26 PMWhat a beautiful thing to do for fellow humans.I sincerely hope you, your family & everyone else who contributed in the smallest way are blessed with health wealth & happiness.
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Posted by Stephen | December 30, 2014, 1:18 PMAmazing good will for the festive season… Definately will pay you a visit in the spring or summer xx
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Posted by michelle kennedy | December 29, 2014, 7:49 PMWell done you have just got a new customer in 2015
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Posted by Colm | December 29, 2014, 7:03 PMWhat a lovely Christmas gift to those who needed it most. Well done to the owners and their girls. Marion
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Posted by marion houston | December 29, 2014, 5:19 PMAn amazing gesture to the less fortunate!
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Posted by Gerry O'Malley | December 29, 2014, 1:03 AMBrilliant,well done. Stayed in this hotel February last. Great spot & great staff
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Posted by Catherine Carey | December 27, 2014, 5:10 PMThat is such a beautiful thing to do. I’ve tears in my eyes here reading this story. God bless you all and I hope your hotel has many many visitors during the next year.
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Posted by Catherine Walsh | December 26, 2014, 2:26 PMmost excellent example of how to be :)))!! Donal and Liz simply the best !!
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Posted by will | December 26, 2014, 12:54 PMThere’re still some really lovely people left in this country – good to see all the years of corrupt politicians haven’t driven them all away
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Posted by Shelly | December 26, 2014, 11:34 AMwhat a very lovely and thoughtfull thing to do if only we had more people like them
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Posted by bridget doyle | December 26, 2014, 10:06 AMYour story reached this small, rural part of Maine. Thank you for what you are doing.
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Posted by Peggy Dawson Bayliss | December 25, 2014, 6:17 PMWell done to all that made it possible. Merry Christmas.
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Posted by Jeffrey Rudd - Drogheda, Co Louth. | December 25, 2014, 1:00 AMFair play Donal & Liz.
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Posted by Ken | December 24, 2014, 10:52 PM