ENJOY A SAFE & CAREFREE VISIT TO CONNEMARA

COVID-19 HYGIENE POLICY

At Ballynahinch Castle, we have always taken our standards of hygiene and cleanliness seriously and now more than ever this is a priority for our guests and team. We appreciate that so much has changed in recent months and we are following all the necessary guidelines to ensure you, our guests enjoy a safe and comfortable stay with us. Whilst we have integrated new hygiene and safety protocols into our business, this has been done discreetly and tastefully so you can enjoy your stay, safe and carefree. Rest assured all the traditions and rituals that make a stay at Ballynahinch Castle so memorable, remain in place.

We have been closely monitoring the guidelines and directives regarding the coronavirus from the HSE and WHO. Our team have participated in comprehensive training and are ready to welcome you to the hotel and it's 700 acres of woodlands and trails to explore. With spacious lounges, and luxurious self-catering options we are well equipped for our guests to enjoy a safe and relaxing stay with us. We are pleased to share the following protocols that will be in place for your comfort and peace of mind. We have a dedicated member of the management team appointed to answer any of your concerns.

Hygiene & Safety

Our team are aware of all the appropriate hygiene measures required to ensure you have an enjoyable stay with us. Furthermore, we are committed to monitoring and updating our policies in line with the health authority's advise - we carry out daily briefings with our employees and this is supported by our managers on the floor. Our team members are engaged with all our new measures and receive comprehensive training on hygiene protocols and cleaning processes; and will be continually updated on what procedures are required to protect all our visitors.

Sanitising Stations

Frequent hand washing and sanitising is vital to help combat the spread of viruses and we have all the appropriate amenities in place around the hotel. Alongside our team, we also advise and support your fellow guests to observe good hygiene and adhere to the social distancing measures whilst they are with us.

Arrival & Departure To The Hotel

We always reach out to our guests before they arrive to make any final arrangements prior to your stay. We understand that each individual guest may have varying needs and we give our guests the opportunity to personalise their stay with us. From dining reservations to specialised cleaning, our team are ready to make your stay exactly how you imagine it.

  • With the exception of a handshake, a warm Ballynahinch smile and welcome still awaits you.
  • A remote check in & check out service is available to our guests so there is no need to visit reception if you do not wish to do so. Our check in and check out processes have been streamlined to reduce contact with our team. This includes alternative payment methods, registration and providing guests with direct access to their rooms, where possible.
  • We understand contact with your personal belongings may be sensitive. However, our reception team are always here to assist you with your luggage, on request
  • Your bedroom key will be sanitised and placed in a small bag to present to you.
  • We have many state of the art systems in-house which manage all your reservations digitally.

Your Room

Many of our beautiful bedrooms have direct access to the river and gardens. We understand that your hotel room is your personal space when you stay with us.

  • Our housekeeping assistants will be wearing all the recommended PPE while they visit your room for cleaning each day.
  • We have committed additional time to our team members so they can focus on the task at hand and sanitise your room thoroughly prior to your arrival.
  • We have implemented an electric fogging sprayer to sanitise all of our soft furnishings and curtains.
  • We have removed certain high contact items from rooms such as magazines and books.
  • Sanitising methods have been revised for items such as telephones, light switches, remote controls, pillow protectors, door handles and bedside tables.
  • All of our bedding and linens are washed onsite at sufficiently high temperatures to ensure sterilisation.
  • Each bedroom is inspected by a supervisor each and every day.
  • Guests are advised to contact reception by telephone for any matters to reduce contact.
  • Any specific cleaning requirements will be discussed with your prior to your arrival.
  • Turndown service will be discussed with you on your pre-arrival call to determine if you wish to opt into this service.
  • Our guest information guide has been made available on your television.

Dining

  • Although our famous breakfast buffet has been temporarily taken out of operation, all your favourite items will be available to order from the kitchen.
  • We will serve breakfast in the restaurant as well as the adjoining lounges and would appreciate your flexibility with seating and of course, room service is still available.
  • Seating has been revised in both the restaurant and bar to promote social distancing.
  • We encourage you to make reservations for dining so we can prepare for your arrival.
  • All our menus will be presented in a disposable format and will be available to download on your mobile device.
  • Our kitchen team have reimagined our menu design to reduce contact with your server.
  • Takeaway lunches, a selection of luxury picnics, disposable utensils and other outdoor dining options are available to our guests.
  • Additional outdoor seating has been made available in the Walled Garden and River Terrace.

Public Areas

Our lounges and dining areas have an abundance of space for you to enjoy. However, we are conscious that these are shared spaces and have put additional cleaning measures in place for your comfort.

  • Public spaces and high contact surfaces such as handrails, elevator buttons, doorknobs are sanitized by our dedicated public areas cleaning team who keep our lounges sanitized and guest ready all day.
  • We have implemented an electric fogging sprayer to sanitise all of our soft furnishings and curtains.
  • Seating has been revised in all public spaces to assist in natural social distancing.
  • High contact door handles have been covered with antibacterial handle covers using silver ion technology to help kill viruses.
  • Sanitising stations are available in all public areas for guest use.
  • In the interest of hygiene, we have temporarily suspended providing boots and jackets to guests.
  • Keyboard wipes, chair wipes and other sanitising materials are available to our guests in all pubic areas.
  • Our board games are sanitised after each use and ready for you to use.
  • Tables and chairs in public spaces are sanitised thoroughly after each guest use.
  • Increased cleaning schedules and more rigorous systems are in place in all employee areas.
  • The majority of our corridors provide adequate spacing to support social distancing.

Our Associates

The hotel has suitable screening facilities, inspections, and resources in place to ensure our team members come to a safe and hygienic workplace each and every day. The health and safety of our employees is important to us and we would request our guests observe all the protocols we have in place.

Our senior management team have been trained to deal with any situation if we are altered to a case of Covid-19 on our property, we will immediately work with the health authorities to obtain the facts and guidance on steps to take for both guests and our team.