It’s a family thing...
THE Houlihan family believe in the concept of pulling together to ensure that a proper ‘family welcome’ is what customers receive. Now more than ever the idea of a family run business is a key part of tourism and with over 30 years’ experience running Houlihan Coaches, Sean and Sinead are well placed to pass down all they’ve learned to their children.
Keelin, Sean and Fódhla are all involved in helping to make Nicks Restaurant and the River’s Edge Guest House run seamlessly, while little Rian, who is 4, is an onlooker for the moment. The family angle is something the Houlihan’s take immense pride in as it makes for a more organic customer experience.
“I think it makes a difference having the family involved and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback from people as they expect and deserve that personal touch,” Sean said.
Sinead also insists that people appreciate the extra lengths a family run business will go to when creating the perfect welcome.
“Just to have a few words when customers come through the door creates a more genuine interaction. The children love the business and the understanding they gain from working with people is attractive to them also,” Sinead said.
Houlihan Coaches has led to a natural progression within the tourism industry for the Houlihan’s and this is one sector where the experience of hard work is worth its weight in gold. The family also wish to extend its apperception to the fantastic staff in Houlihan’s Coaches, some of whom have been with them from the start, and also now to the staff of Nicks and River’s Edge. Their dedication and expertise make it what it is today. At present between the three businesses there are fifty people employed and this number will increase as the summer progresses.
“The support we’ve received from Killorglin, Mid Kerry and beyond is unbelievable. We would like to thank all the people who have supported us over the years in the coach side of our business and it’s lovely to know many of the same people are now supporting us again in the restaurant,” Sean said.
Nicks recently hosted a prize-giving ceremony for Killorglin Community College when over 120 students and their families enjoyed a lovely evening. This is exactly the kind of local support the Houlihan’s are proud and very appreciative of.
“We’ve met with many bus and tour operators around the country over the years and we would like to extend a warm welcome to any group that may be passing through Killorglin. We would love to accommodate them in Nicks.”