Thursday, 23 February 2012
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The History Print E-mail
The Pontoon Bridge Hotel and staff has been welcoming guests since it was built over 125 years ago.

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The Pontoon Bridge Hotel - circa 1890

It started out as a small fishing hotel in the 1880s mainly looking after anglers from England and mainland Europe. The hotel became one of the best known angling hotels in Ireland and is proud to still hold that respect to this day. Its current owners, Brendan and Ann Geary, acquired Pontoon Bridge Hotel in 1964 and over the years have carried out major renovations and extensions to move with the times. Although great changes have been seen at Pontoon Bridge Hotel over the years the magnificent landscape at its doorstep is still as beautiful as ever.

The Pontoon Bridge Hotel is a little piece of heaven tucked away in county Mayo. The whole concept of a family owned and run hotel is "like finding a pearl in the oyster." It's such a special experience which is yours to be treasured. Brendan and Ann came to Pontoon Bridge Hotel as a young married couple with their new baby “Mary”, the first of six lovely children. Little did they know that Mary,  who runs a private cookery school on the premises (certainly something to look into), would be the executive chef in years to come. Over the past 43 years Brendan & Ann have established and upheld the ethos of welcoming friends to Pontoon Bridge Hotel; people who have not visited are friend they have yet to meet.

Traditionally the hotel was known as fishing hotel due to it's exceptional located nestled on the shore of both Lough Conn & Lough Cullen complete with a private harbour and beach. There was huge repeat business (70%) – no need for a marketing manager back then !!! Some guests were afraid to recommend the place as they did not want it over run by too many people…it was their best kept secret all for themselves….and the same groups rebooked each year for the following year upon check out.All six of the children played their part as staff members growing up – a great training for the academy of life – the hospitality business certainly is a wonderful foundation for any further career.

Michael is the Master of the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Brendan is a Physiologist Consultant in USA, Ann is an art teacher, John is a Solicitor and Journalist and Breeta is the General Manager of the hotel. There are not many hotels in Ireland where you would see the same owner for 43 years, the same Head Chef for 20 years and the same General Manger for 12 years that consistency is a rare treat.history

The hotel has been through many growth periods, from a 26 room to 39 to now currently 58 rooms (20 standard & 38 superior rooms). Banqueting facilities for 350 guests – very popular for weddings and celebrations – very romantic and scenic setting. The school of Landscape painting is a major attraction for those that like to dabble in water colours, acrylics and oils – Pat Goff is a wonderful instructor and makes things so easy to learn. For those of you who are afraid to pick up a fishing rod, a day with Jack at the fishing school will allow you to cast away your stresses into the exciting world of fishing; your catch of the day can be cooked for you or frozen for you to take home (the purist would follow the 'catch and release' principle).

jetty--boatsLittle did Ann Geary think back in 1964 that she would be able get a facial, a seaweed wrap and a tan under her own roof. The Pontoon Bridge Hotel has a lovely treat in store for those who like to be pampered at the “Serene” Beauty Salon. The new hot tub and sauna is a must for those who want to unwind and relax in soothing heat whilst enjoying the Pontoon sunset or sunrise on the panoramic terraced deck.

Times have changed in what people look for in hotels and Brendan and Ann and family have certainly moved with the times whilst still holding on to the personal touch.
 

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