The Breffni Arms: A family tradition in the heart of Arva
MEET THE FINALISTS: BEST FAMILY BUSINESS
For almost five decades, The Breffni Arms Hotel in Arva has been much more than a place to stay, eat or celebrate. It has become a familiar meeting point at the heart of the community, with the Gray family now carrying the business into its second generation.
The family’s story began in 1978, when Eamonn and Philomena Gray started out with a small B&B. Through almost 50 years of hard work, investment and development, that modest beginning has been transformed into the established hotel it is today.
For daughter Ciara Gray, who works alongside her brother Darren and their parents, the business is a genuine multi-generational family enterprise.
“Driven by the vision, dedication and relentless hard work of my parents, our family has continuously extended and modernised the hotel, keeping the core family values at the centre of everything we do,” she said.
Located in Arva, where the three provinces meet, The Breffni Arms has become an important part of the local social and community fabric. Its function room regularly hosts celebrations, reunions and community events.
Along with a strong food offering, The Breffni Arms Hotel is popular with locals and visitors alike, in particular anglers visiting from Britain and Europe.
For the Gray family, however, the people behind the business are just as important as the customers.
“We don’t just hire employees. We welcome them into the family,” said Ciara.
That approach has resulted in remarkable staff loyalty, with several key members of the team having been with the hotel for 20 years or more.
“In an industry known for high turnover, our team stays with us,” she said, attributing that loyalty to “a culture of respect, care and love”.
As the second generation becomes increasingly involved, Ciara sees The Breffni Arms as “our living heritage” – a business built by one generation, supported by loyal staff and now being carried forward by the next.
For the Gray family, the hotel’s greatest strength is ultimately the same as it was when they first opened their doors: family, community and a warm welcome for everyone who comes through them.
CONTACT US
You can contact the Breffni Arms Hotel by calling 049-4335127 or emailing info@breffniarms.com
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FULL LIST OF FINALISTS
Read about the other three finalists in this category by visiting the stories below.
Breffni Insulation: 20 years of family and growth