Feel at home at Mahon’s Hotel
As family-run Mahon’s Hotel celebrates 135 years in business, we look at what makes a stay there so special
“It is very unique that a hotel can claim to have stayed in the same family name for more than 13 decades,” says Joe Mahon, co-owner of Mahon’s Hotel. “We are very proud to be celebrating this special anniversary. Mahon’s Hotel has seen its challenges over the years, but continues to go from strength to strength.”
Despite undergoing refurbishments and potential plans to develop Conference and Function room facilities in 2019, 3-Star Mahon’s Hotel has kept its authentic character over the years.
“Keeping the story of Mahon’s alive is important,” says Joe. “Recently discovered photographs from previous generations are now on display in the restaurant. Customers often comment on the old photos and remark on the achievement to keep the hotel in the family name. We always wonder if it is the oldest family run hotel on the island of Ireland!
“More than 10 members of the Mahon family were born in one room, which is a cosy guest bedroom today, and I was also born at the hotel! There are many stories to discover at Mahon’s and most of the staff have been employed for at least 20 years. In fact, the longest full-time member of staff is 35 years here.” The welcoming, friendly atmosphere in the hotel is what contributes to guests returning, says Joe. “95pc of guests are repeat visitors. One of our most valued customers was a fisherman, who had been coming to the hotel for over 45 years. He requested to get his ashes put on the top shelf in the bar alongside the collection of unique spirits, when he died. His family from England come regularly to see him, and his son takes his urn out fishing with him.”
Opportunities to explore
It is the beautiful surroundings which also attract families, from all over the UK and Ireland, to Mahon’s Hotel. Located in the centre of the Fermanagh Lakelands, Mahon’s Hotel is just eight miles from Enniskillen, 16 miles from Omagh, 20 miles from Belleek Pottery and 30 miles from Donegal Town. The majestic Lough Erne, which has great walks, scenery, cruising, boat trips and fishing, is only five minutes from the hotel.
There are numerous walks near the hotel for the walking enthusiasts. “A hidden gem in Irvinestown is the Celtic Garden, with oak trees carved into the figures of the saints and scholars of Ireland. It’s a truly remarkable experience.
“Mahon’s is also only a 30 minutes’ drive from the now-famous Stairway to Heaven on Cuilcagh Mountain. A visit should be on everyone’s bucket list.”
Traditional hospitality
During a stay in Mahon’s, Joe also advises getting to know the locals.
“Local people are very supportive of the hotel and when tourists stay, they like to interact with local people. Irvinestown is full of locally owned shops, which are a bit different from the traditional shopping centres available in Enniskillen and Omagh.”
At Mahon’s, they also support local when it comes to food and entertainment. “Locally sourced ingredients are on all the menus. We serve all Irish home-cooked food and one of our signature dishes is Grilled Liver Bacon and Onions, of which we sell over 500 portions every week. Fresh fish is delivered daily and available on our lunch and dinner menus.
“We feature local (and province-wide) bands in our Lounge Bar every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From country to folk music, it’s enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.”
Joe adds, “We get a lot of visitors from the Republic of Ireland and from talking to them, they love the cosy atmosphere of the hotel, the splendid scenery and landscapes of Fermanagh. Most of them say the same thing: ‘It’s like home away from home’.” The original Joseph Mahon and wife Minnie, who first ran the hotel