Since 1883, the Mahon family have been welcoming guests to their family hotel in Irvinestown.

Highlighting this impressive milestone of 135 years in business, Mahon’s Hotel will celebrate throughout 2019 with a year long programme of events. Owner Joe Mahon said: “The hotel has seen two world wars and the turning of two centuries.”

The celebrations began last Thursday (November 22) as the hotel flung open it’s doors to the local community and guests from further afield for an open house night with plenty of food, entertainment, reminiscing and craic.

Talking about the event, Joe said: “We’ve had our own blend of tea since my father had the hotel. On the night we also had a tea leaf reader who enlightened guests of their future paths.”

He continued: “In addition we have installed 25 photographs telling the story of the Mahon family and Irvinestown over 13 decades and offered guests a drink from the bar in exchange for a shilling. As it turned out we gathered up quite a few shillings!”

During the special event, guests were also given a tour of the hotel, allowing them to see developments that have taken place with the accommodation over more recent years.

The open house event is just the start of Mahon’s Hotel’s 135th anniversary celebrations. Joe said: “We hope to have a family reunion early next year and a extra special staff party where we would like to see as many employees gathering together for a night of craic.”

Joe believes the longevity of Mahon’s Hotel is a testament to the continued contribution of the community of Irvinestown.