With over 30 years working in the Irish hospitality and tourism industry my website Delightful Hotels showcases my love and knowledge of the hotel industry.

Following almost 24 years  with  Ireland’s Blue Book, I took early retirement to further my studies in Art History and Heritage. Working for Ireland’s Blue Book gave me the greatest of pleasure in being in a position to market Ireland’s best known collection of Irish Country House Hotels and Restaurants.  With many properties being of a historic nature these wonderful buildings also represent a living and breathing built heritage.

In addition to my work within Irish industry I have held key positions on the international stage of tourism from my collaboration with the Historic Hotels of Europe.  I served in the positions of Secretary General, Vice President and President of the Historic Hotels of Europe (HHE). The HHE achieved significant success in positioning itself as the most important representative body for heritage hospitality in Europe; as a result it is now the largest umbrella federation in Europe for historic hotels.

In my capacity as President/Chairman of the HHE I attended various international forums, including the INTO (International National Trusts Organization). The INTO is the acknowledged international organization for the protection of built heritage.

And by the way I was greatly honoured to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the prestigious Food & Wine Magazine Annual Awards, where I joined other noted contributors of the Irish food and tourism sector, such as Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House.

Hilary Finlay