With 81 beautifully designed bedrooms, the Woodford Dolmen Hotel is nestled in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Hotel & Tourism sat down with General Manager Colin Duggan to uncover the story behind this award-winning Carlow hotel, its exceptional team, and its well-earned triumphs at the Irish Hotel Awards.
The Woodford Dolmen Hotel enjoys a prime location just five minutes from Carlow Town, beautifully perched on the banks of the River Barrow. Guests can take in the sweeping views of the Killeshin Hills or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Carlow Town, offering the best of both worlds — serenity and excitement.
Colin Duggan, a proud Carlow native, has been a cornerstone of the hotel’s journey for a quarter of a century, taking on the General Manager role two decades ago. His extensive experience, including early career stops at the Keadeen Hotel and the Seven Oaks Hotel, has been pivotal in shaping the Woodford Dolmen’s growth.
Reflecting on the hotel’s evolution, Colin shared: “We have 125 staff now, up from about 80 five years ago. The plan for 2026 is to expand with 40 more bedrooms, a leisure centre, and a spa, bringing us to approximately 175 rooms.”
Having steered the hotel through the 2008 recession and its emergence from receivership under Tom O’Loughlin’s ownership in 2013, Colin emphasized the importance of continuous investment in both the property and its people.
Today, the hotel thrives, buoyed by strong profitability despite rising operational costs — a testament to the exceptional team spirit driving the hotel forward.
The Team Behind the Success
Of course, no success story is complete without its key players. The Woodford Dolmen Hotel’s achievements are deeply rooted in its talented and dedicated management team: Clare Kavanagh, Assistant General Manager, treats every wedding she coordinates with the utmost personal care, ensuring couples have unforgettable days.
Brian Redmond, Operations Manager, oversees the entire running of the hotel with a sharp eye for improvement and excellence.
Caolan Prendergast, Head Chef, began in the hotel’s wash-up area and honed his craft in Michelin-star kitchens before returning to lead an exceptional culinary team.
Aisling Maher, Sales, Marketing and Strategy Manager, ensures that the world knows the Woodford Dolmen name. She keeps the team focused on the hotel’s mission, passionately championing customer care while aligning closely with the hotel’s ethos and future strategy.
Catriona Brennan, Financial Controller, plays a crucial role in the hotel’s sustainable development. Her stewardship has ensured a deep respect for every euro spent, helping drive profitability while maintaining service excellence.
Lucia Popa, Accommodation Manager, has fostered an outstanding housekeeping team, instilling high-level cleaning standards, attention to detail, and innovation that consistently impresses guests and inspectors alike.
As Colin proudly remarked: “Our strengths lie in the quality of our people — whether it’s the young waiter or the senior manager, each contributes to the hotel’s success.”
Celebrating Major Wins
The Woodford Dolmen Hotel’s recent accolades at the Irish Hotel Awards are a fitting testament to its team’s dedication. Winning both ‘Excellence in Service – Overall’ and ‘4 Star Hotel of the Year – Leinster’, the hotel was recognized nationally for the standards it maintains daily.
“It’s an acknowledgment of the hard work everyone has put in,” Colin said. “Bringing the hotel from three stars to four stars was a significant achievement, requiring major investment — not just in the building, but in our people.”
The Heartbeat of the Hotel
Weddings are central to the hotel’s success, with an average of 65 celebrations a year. The property offers stunning ceremony spaces, both indoors and on the picturesque grounds beside the river. Personalisation remains key, with innovative additions such as a vintage ice cream cart adding unique flair to each wedding package.
“The weddings are the heartbeat of the hotel,” Colin said. “And Clare Kavanagh leads that area with immense passion and creativity.”
A Commitment to Guests
Beyond the weddings and awards, what truly sets the Woodford Dolmen Hotel apart is its unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.
“Our unique selling point is a friendly, guest-first team,” Colin explained. “Every point of contact with guests is treated as an opportunity to deliver a positive, lasting impression. And if we miss the mark, we work hard to understand why and improve.”
Constructive feedback from platforms like TripAdvisor is seen as an essential tool for growth, reinforcing the team’s ethos of constant enhancement.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for both the hotel and Carlow itself. As a former President of the County Carlow Chamber of Commerce and a current board member of both the Chamber and Carlow Tourism, Colin continues to champion local development.
“Carlow is on the cusp of something great,” Colin said. “It’s an exciting time, and the hotel is perfectly positioned to help showcase all that the county has to offer.”
With expansion plans underway and an elite team steering the ship, the Woodford Dolmen Hotel’s next chapter promises to be just as remarkable as its journey so far.
This article was published in Hotel & Tourism Magazine, Summer 2025, Vol 1 No 1
