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Moate Farm Bed and Breakfast
Published on 11 April 2019
Ireland
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Moate Farm Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is run by Silver Entrepreneurs Kathleen and John, outside the rural village of Freshford, approximately 12kms from Kilkenny City (One of Ireland’s smallest and oldest medieval cities). Like many small farms in Ireland, the family sought another revenue stream to ensure future financial stability. The rural B&B provides accommodation primarily to the Silver market, attracting guests from Canada, America, Australia, Italy and Wales. The business are members of Failte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority) and developed the business under their guidelines and advice. For paid annual membership, Moate Farm B&B features in the Failte Ireland Brochure, which has a worldwide circulation. In addition, the B&B is featured on the Failte Ireland website and online booking system. This website generates approximately 33% of bookings for the business annually. The B&B provides a relaxing and cost effective accommodation experience within an Irish farm setting which is very attractive to their Silver Economy guests. The remoteness and seclusion of this rural business has also proved to be a key attraction to guests. Like many small enterprises, managing the administration side of the business can be challenging for the owners, such as advertising and social media. Their son has expertise in developing and maintaining their website which is important for this type of business and has allowed the owners to minimise costs.
Resources needed
The owners run the B&B and they hire local staff during peak season. The B&B grew its accommodation offering by leveraging small loans exclusively from the local Credit Union. Local contractor was employed to carry out renovations which allowed them to update and add bedrooms to the B&B.
Evidence of success
The B&B added bedrooms on a gradual basis between 1995 to 2003, where it now offers 4 bedrooms with ensuite and can accommodate up to 10 guests. The B&B is a cash business which allowed them to expand. The business accommodates approximately 600 guests annually. Failte Ireland has awarded the B&B an annual 4-star rating since its inception with 5 star being the highest award. The rating indicates the high quality of service provided by the B&B.
Potential for learning or transfer
This small business is run by Silver Entrepreneurs for the Silver Economy sector and can be replicated in any region within the European Union. The owners intend on keeping the B&B at its current size, which appeals to their guests, and has resulted in repeat business. As the business is located in a rural setting, this has proved to be an attraction for their silver economy customers and potentially this good practice can be replicated in other rural areas across EU regions. To sustain farm incomes in rural Ireland in a time of growing external threats to the agricultural sector, this B&B service can offer an alternative/complementary source of income for many farms. There is potential to establish a network of Silver B&B providers which can target this market segment exclusively.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Cork Institute of Technology
Ireland