It was great to read this article in the Irish News this week. It highlighted what we already know. People want to meet people. So how does the visitor do that? Here the idea is to enjoy traditional experiences, and that is great, it provides people with time to speak to those hosting experiences. For us, it starts with, and always will start with, where you stay.
Sure, the tourist can go into the local area and mingle with those who know the true spirit of the town. But this can be tricky. How much does the visitor interact with those that know what it means to ‘live like a local’?
Go Small
If the visitor appetite is to get into the culture of the place, then staying somewhere anonymous where few locals actually frequent on a regular basis, probably isn’t going to match that experience. Start at the beginning with small accommodation providers.
As a long-standing family-owned and run business we have always felt that we have a part to play in how authentic the guests’ stay is. After all we have been around a while, so the hotel has some great history, and the owners, well, they have been around a while too and have some great history to share. We hope that this comes through to our guests, and they feel it is easy, right from the beginning of their stay, to relax and become a local for a few days.
Staying in areas which are lesser known, is a great place to start. Visiting smaller towns and villages as opposed to the higher traffic destinations. Using where you stay to get a good feel for the hidden gems, the local fables, the lesser told history is a great way to actually have an ‘authentic local experience’.
The Community Circle
It has always been important to us that we are part of the community. In being part of the community, taking part in its festivals, encouraging the preservation of its heritage, wandering around its beauty spots, chatting with local characters and visiting other local businesses. All this gets brought back to the hotel, creating an authentic local experience.
A Slower Way to Go
Our hope is that people recognise and appreciate that we know this place, we want you the guest to feel like you could slip into the Mahon’s way of life. Hear a few yarns, get some local insight, enjoy a pint of Guinness and dine on some traditional grub (if you really want to go local!)
