Nestling in an idyllic setting in the heart of the Garden County, The Arklow Bay Hotel offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, the award-winning hospitality consistently afforded every guest is simply second to none.
One of Ireland’s truly iconic getaways, The Arklow Bay Hotel celebrated on the double at the 2025 YesChef Awards, which annually acknowledge and honour excellence in the Irish hospitality industry by recognising outstanding chefs, restaurants and hospitality venues.
These prestigious national awards shine a spotlight on culinary innovation, dedication to service and the passion that drives Ireland’s vibrant food and hospitality scene. Through a trusted and transparent awards programme, they inspire continued excellence, support local talent and elevate the standards of hospitality across the country.
No stranger to garnering major industry accolades, The Arklow Bay Hotel scooped the All-Ireland Front of House Team of the Year Award and was also announced as the Best Hotel Restaurant in Leinster.
Reflecting on this incredible double, general manager Ciaran O’Neill comments: “It’s always great to be recognised for the service you provide. We have a great team here and the awards were down to their professionalism, dedication and hard work.
“There’s a great mix in the team, with the age profile ranging from students still at school or college up to one lady who celebrated 30 years working here only this week. With such a range of individuals, the team blends seamlessly, contributing to the strong sense of family that defines our workplace.
“It’s very much a family-friendly hotel on the outskirts of town, with a little bit of everything for everybody. People have had their christenings here, their wedding and everything in between. We’re part of the local fabric here since 1963, and people have a real affiliation to The Arklow Bay Hotel.”
Set in beautifully landscaped grounds, the four-star Arklow Bay Hotel offers 91 tastefully decorated bedrooms, excellent transport links and ample free onsite parking. Guests enjoy access to the Bay Leisure Centre, which includes a 20-metre deck pool, gym, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Bay Beauty Rooms offer a luxurious dose of me time.
In April 2024, award-winning Head Chef Eddie McDermott joined the team, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for bold, seasonal flavours. A graduate of Cathal Brugha Street in 2003, Eddie’s impressive CV includes Tinakilly House – where he earned two AA Rosettes – Dunbrody House, The Step House in Carlow and Tulfarris Resort.
At the Arklow Bay Hotel, Eddie is championing local produce and sustainability. “I will always use the best ingredients I can get – and that almost always means local,” he explains. “Sustainability, low food miles and reducing waste are core to my approach.”
The Ferrybank Lounge offers a relaxed dining option with wholesome bar-food favourites. For something more refined, the Pottery Restaurant’s Table d’Hôte menu highlights seasonal Irish ingredients in an elegant setting. Private events are catered for in either the Beautiful Bay Suite Ballroom or the Asgard Suite, ideal for weddings, family occasions or corporate gatherings.
With Eddie at the helm, The Arklow Bay Hotel continues to elevate its standing as a destination for exceptional food, hospitality and heart – which was very much reflected in their success at the 2025 YesChef Awards.
Meanwhile, award-winning Wedding & Events Planner Tee Corkish brings over 15 years of expertise – and more than 500 weddings – to her role at The Arklow Bay Hotel. Her work has been featured across leading national bridal magazines, top international wedding platforms, and she has appeared on national radio and in multiple print features.
Known for her calm, creative approach and meticulous coordination, Tee has planned celebrations at Ireland’s most sought-after venues and now helps Arklow Bay couples bring their dream day beautifully to life.
The team at The Arklow Bay Hotel pride themselves on their high standards of service and customer care. Due to the undivided attention and care given to every visitor, many of their guests return time and time again to soak up the genuine, friendly atmosphere that prevails at one of Wicklow’s most popular destinations.
Being selected as Front of House Team of the Year is a massive endorsement that reveals more about the staff at The Arklow Bay Hotel than any words ever could. “The team are the heartbeat of the hotel,” Ciaran confirms. “People genuinely feel at home here and the feedback we get for our staff is always excellent.
“We recently welcomed a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, who had also stayed at The Arklow Bay Hotel on the night of their wedding. To mark the occasion, our team upgraded them to the Bridal Suite, arranged a few thoughtful surprises, and prepared personalised goodie bags for their departure. They were genuinely touched by the care and attention they received.”
The location and setting of The Arklow Bay Hotel—just 45 minutes from Dublin yet in the most tranquil of coastal settings—couldn’t be better. “Historically, we’ve attracted many guests from the Dublin area, given our proximity to both the capital and the sea,” the General Manager explains. “The hotel would also traditionally have been a popular stopping point en route to the sunny South East.
“Beyond the gardens lies the Arklow Duck Pond Nature Reserve, rich with wildlife, with the sea stretching out beyond it. The surrounding area offers easy access to the Wicklow Mountains, iconic attractions, scenic walks, and family activities. The hotel also proudly supports the local community, recently hosting both the Arklow Community Excellence Awards and the Arklow Chamber of Commerce Awards.
“We remain open throughout Christmas, providing a cosy and welcoming environment for guests to truly relax and enjoy the festive season. This year we will host over 100 residents as well as another 100 locals who will join us for a memorable Christmas Day lunch. It’s always a privilege to create that home-from-home atmosphere for families at such a special time of year.”
Although The Arklow Bay Hotel is firmly established as a popular hospitality retreat, there is no sign of Ciaran and his award-winning team resting on their laurels or taking their success and popularity for granted. To the contrary:
“We are constantly refurbishing and upgrading the property. We recently upgraded the ballroom and the Asgard Suite has also received a facelift. Bedroom refurbs continue unabated, with 20 more due to be completed early in the new year along with other exciting plans in the pipeline.
“From a sustainability point of view, we’ve just introduced water fountains for the guests in the corridors and we are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint,” concludes the personable general manager of Wickow’s magnificent Arklow Bay Hotel. “Arklow opened a new state-of-the-art water treatment plant recently and that aligns nicely with our own sustainability goals.”
Arklow Bay Hotel,
Sea Road,
Arklow,
County Wicklow.
Tel: 0402 26200
Email: [email protected]
Web: arklowbay.com
This article was published in Hotel & Tourism Magazine, Spring 2026, Vol 2 No 1
