CELEBRATORY LUNCH TO MARK 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARLFIELD
GEORGE HOOK AND FRANCIS BRENNAN AMONG SPECIAL GUESTS AT CELEBRATORY LUNCH
WELL-KNOWN broadcaster and rugby pundit George Hook and hotelier/TV personality Francis Brennan were among the special guests to grace Marlfield House in Gorey for 40th anniversary celebrations.
To mark the occasion, Marlfield hosted a celebratory lunch that featured champagne, cocktails, canapés and dishes to those on their menu in 1978.
Francis Brennan, who was MC on the day, said: ‘The [Bowe] family have been friends and colleagues of mine in the industry for so many years and it’s incredible to witness the changes and evolution of the property since Mary and Ray first opened in the 70s. I am immensely proud to be part of their journey and success.’
Situated off the Courtown Road, Marlfield House is one of five Irish members of the Relais and Chateaux group of luxury hotels and restaurants and is a long-standing member of Ireland’s Blue Book.
Margaret Bowe, daughter of Mary and Ray, said celebrating 40 years in business marks a key milestone in the history of Marlfield and their family.
‘Marlfield is now an integral part of the colourful history of Gorey and the hospitality industry in the area,’ said Margaret. ‘This is an exciting year as we celebrate a historic past and look forward to some great changes in the future.’
Since opening, Marlfield House has welcomed many famous people, from Irish presidents to Hollywood stars such as Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks. The members of U2, The Cranberries, Robert Redford, Pierce Brosnan and Roger Moore have also stayed in the country house.
‘Strategically located an hour away from Dublin, the hotel has many loyal guests who celebrate weddings and birthdays with us each year,’ said Margaret’s sister Laura Bowe. ‘The longevity and success of the hotel is possibly due to the amazing commitment of our team over the past four decades and we look forward to continuing that over the coming years.’
Laura added they have great plans, including the development of ‘romantic pods’ in the garden.
Marlfield House was built in 1830 and was the residence of the Earls of Courtown for generations. Mary and Ray Bowe purchased the property and May 1977 and carried out renovations before opening with eleven bed-
rooms in 1978. The magnificent conservatory was added in 1982 and an additional six state bedrooms in 1989.
Sisters Margaret and Laura took over the running of the hotel in 2009 and six years later they converted the courtyard buildings into the hugely suc- cessful Duck Terrace Restaurant. Last year, ‘Duck Lodge’, an original dwelling on the grounds, was renovated into a luxurious two-bed cottage overlooking the gardens.