Changing of the Guard at Renvyle House at the end of this Year

Anne Marie Kelly is to become the new General Manager of Renvyle House Hotel as the current CEO, Ronnie Counihan, is to retire at the end of this year after almost 20 years at the helm of the historic property and a stellar 45 years in hospitality.

A native of county Galway, Ms. Kelly has more than 25 years’ experience in hospitality and a familiar face in Connemara, having run her own bar, restaurant and accommodation offering in The Forge, Moycullen for 14 years followed by a number of years at the helm at the Station House in Clifden.   Anne Marie took up her position earlier this week and will work alongside Mr. Counihan for the next two months before he steps down in early January.

“As one of the country’s most respected hoteliers, Ronnie is loved by guests and staff alike and is a mentor, colleague and friend to many. Under his management, Renvyle House Hotel has risen to become a beloved and celebrated retreat, noted for its wonderful food and hospitality. We knew that the person who takes over his mantle would have to imbibe and continue the culture and values we hold so dear at Renvyle House. We are delighted to have found this person in Anne Marie”, said Zoe Coyle Fitzgerald, Chairman and Director of Renvyle House Hotel.   “Anne Marie understands the special place both Renvyle and Connemara hold for people. We know her reputation as an incredible hostess and leader who puts her guests at the centre of everything. She is a real food lover and supporter of seasonal, locally sourced food and is liked and respected by the people she works with.   On behalf of the board of Renvyle House, I wish Anne Marie every success and she will receive our full support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ronnie for his leadership and great friendship over the last 20 years. He will be really missed”, added Zoe.

Renvyle House bears a fascinating history. It was home to the powerful O’Flaherty clan, the seat of 19th century landowner Henry Blake, the country resident of the famous Dublin poet, wit, statesman and surgeon Oliver St. John Gogarty and a meeting place for the poets and writers who helped create the new Irish Free State. WB Yeats spent his honeymoon there. First opened as a hotel in 1883, Renvyle House Hotel has been owned by the Coyle family for more than 65 years and Zoe is the third generation to be involved with this historic, hospitable house.

Retiring Chief Executive Ronnie Counihan commented, “It is with great appreciation and wonderful memories that I will reminisce about my career as a hotelier in the years to come and, in particular, about the last 20 years I have spent working with the Coyle family and alongside a wonderful team at Renvyle House. Renvyle is a very special place and I would like to thank the many amazing guests, friends, ‘guests-who-became-friends’ and many colleagues who have contributed over the years to the fulfilling career I have been so  privileged to enjoy. I will retire in a few months knowing that, in its incoming General Manager Anne Marie Kelly, Renvyle is in great hands. I wish her all the happiness that I have enjoyed at this wonderful, historic property”.

In the meantime, all our guests have the benefit of two super managers to look after them until we close for holidays for four weeks at the beginning of January 2020.