"I have not been bored for one second," James says of his tenure in the family business. "Every day there are new challenges. It's very dynamic.
"But as a business owner, you take huge satisfaction when things are going well. Thankfully, the guest experience here is very positive. When they share that feedback, there's a great sense of pride in that."
We're speaking to the owner and family man as the Station House undergoes a major investment to reconfigure internal spaces, restaurant capacity, and the hotel's beloved residents lounge. The refurbishment was mooted for a number of years, until the opportunity arrived last year to begin making it a reality.
"We want to be one of the leading four-star hotels in the west of Ireland," James explains. "That's the ambition we've set ourselves. The works we've carried out over the last 12 months are just step one in that direction. There are further developments still in the early planning stages, with a broader development of the entire site's footprint in progress. We hope to create a destination and focal point in Clifden, beyond the offering of the Hotel."
At 37, James knows that he'll be walking those tiles for the next 40 years. But it's not solely about making a long-term commitment to hospitality for people who visit Clifden. It's also about guests from closer to home.
"Our family has been in business in Clifden for 40 years now," he says. "The hotel itself is 28 years open, and in that time we've become a focal point for the community. We were very well supported in tougher times and are so grateful to those who did.
"It means we're always delighted to welcome local parties and celebrations to our Hotel & Restaurant. The development of the new Carriage Restaurant and Library Bar was focused on creating a space where groups could share special occasions, one that offered a full evening experience. Our new Lounge is a spacious and luxurious setting, where gatherings before and after dinner are comfortable and relaxed."
An exciting new chapter for a cornerstone of Clifden. And with that, James is off for another day of never being bored.
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