Robert McHugh

Dublin

Online Editor at Hospitality Ireland

Robert McHugh is an Editor, Journalist, Content Creator and News Junkie. All views are his own except for the libelous ones.

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Articles

Ashford Castle Announces Two Key Appointments

4 days ago | hospitalityireland.com | Robert McHugh

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection has announced two new appointments for the Ashford Castle hotel and estate. Gregory Brossard will join the team as hotel manager at Ashford Castle, while Lisa Toomey will assume a new leadership position on the estate as director of quality. Brossard joins the Ashford Castle team after almost two years working at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin as director of operations.
Publicans Call for ‘Pints’ Tax Rebate To Help Rural Pubs

5 days ago | hospitalityireland.com | Robert McHugh

The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) is calling for a 40% rebate on the excise charged to draught products sold in pubs. The VFI says the rebate would help protect rural pubs that play a vital social role in their local communities, while also preserving employment in a sector struggling with soaring costs. “A 40% rebate on the excise charged on draught products is a practical, targeted support that would make a real difference for small pubs across Ireland," said Pat Crotty, VFI CEO.
Applegreen To Launch Taco Bell In Ireland

5 days ago | hospitalityireland.com | Robert McHugh

Applegreen is to open Ireland’s first Taco Bell following a new partnership agreement with the US-based company. Applegreen will open Ireland’s first Taco Bell restaurant this summer and plans to open Taco Bell outlets at a number of its Irish locations over the next five yearsTaco Bell, which is based in Irvine, California, has over 8,700 restaurants worldwide.
The Sandymount Hotel Marks 70th Anniversary

5 days ago | hospitalityireland.com | Robert McHugh

The Sandymount Hotel in Dublin 4 is celebrating 70 years of continuous family ownership and hospitality this May, longer than any other hotel property in Dublin . Originally opened in 1955 as a modest bed and breakfast, the property has since grown into a four-star hotel now led by the third generation of the Loughran family, who have recently overseen a significant refurbishment of rooms and guest areas.
Fired Up Pizza Comes To Cornelscourt

5 days ago | hospitalityireland.com | Robert McHugh

Fired Up Pizza has announced the opening of its newest location in Cornelscourt and the fifth anniversary of its very first venue in Goatstown. The new Cornelscourt restaurant, located at Bray Road, Cornelscourt in Dublin 18, officially opened its doors on May 9. “We’re incredibly proud to open our newest Fired Up Pizza location in Cornelscourt," said Bill Chawke, founder of Fired Up Pizza. "It’s a fantastic milestone for the team and a community we’ve been wanting to be part of for a long time.
Global Bites: Sysco Chefs From Both Sides Of The Atlantic Serve Up The Latest Food Trends To Watch Out For

6 days ago | hospitalityireland.com | Robert McHugh

The culinary landscape is constantly evolving, shaped by culture, innovation, economics and a hunger for the next big thing. This month, we speak to five Sysco chefs from both sides of the Atlantic who are at the forefront of food development. Three of the five, Neil, Simon A and James emigrated from Ireland to America where they carved out successful culinary careers, collectively working for some of the best-known brands in the hospitality sector.
71% Of Irish Food Businesses Focussing On Revenue Growth

6 days ago | hospitalityireland.com | Robert McHugh

Over 70% of Irish food and drink businesses remain confident that they can sustain their revenue growth according to the latest 2025 Food & Beverage Industry Barometer, conducted by Love Irish Food and Bank of Ireland. This year’s Barometer, based on a March 2025 survey of 120 Irish food producers, aims to capture the priorities of a diverse mix of Irish food and drink businesses, ranging from household brand names to high-growth SMEs focussed on local markets.
Spending Up In Hotels And Restaurants In April

6 days ago | hospitalityireland.com | Robert McHugh

The latest AIB Spend Trend Report for April has revealed positive signs for tourism and hospitality, with spending up in hotels and restaurants. The data was compiled from 74 million card transactions carried out by AIB customers in store and online during April 2025. The report shows that spend in hotels increased 11% year on year, while restaurant spend also rose, up 10% year on year.
Government Waives Outdoor Dining Licence Fee For 2025

6 days ago | hospitalityireland.com | Robert McHugh

The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has welcomed the government’s decision to waive the outdoor dining licence fee for 2025. The €125 fee, which applies per table and four chairs, has now been waived for the fifth year in a row. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, confirmed the waiver on Friday in response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil TD Padraig O’Sullivan.
Top Irish businesses to take part in National Enterprise Awards

6 days ago | businessworld.ie | Robert McHugh

Home > Ireland > Top Irish businesses to take part in National Enterprise Awards The Finalists for this year’s National Enterprise Awards have been announced. The 31 companies from across Ireland will compete for the top prize at the awards on the 22nd May. The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. This is the 25th year of the Local Enterprise Office initiative, which was won last...