Local Business Spotlight: Oak Lodge B&B, Portumna

Oak Lodge is a family-owned B&B situated in the heart of Portumna town. Run by locals Mary and PJ Lynch, it is Bord Fáilte 4-star approved and ranked on Tripadvisor as one of the top places to stay in the area.  

Guests praise the second-to-none full Irish breakfasts, tastefully decorated rooms, and warm welcome they receive from hostess, Mary. This week, we caught up with owner Mary Lynch for our Local Business Spotlight.

Could you tell us a little bit about the history of Oak Lodge B&B?

I started my business on the 27th of August, 1997. I called it Oak Lodge because the name Portumna comes from 'part of the oak.' I started off with one room 24 years ago and now have six ensuite rooms. 

One of the main reasons why I started the business was to answer the question: what could I do (to make a living) and stay at home with my children?

What kind of nice little touches do you believe make the difference to your guests?

Personal attention, a cuppa, a homemade scone and a chat about the area - it's all about listening to your guests. 

How do you use your local knowledge to help visitors trace their Irish roots?

I have been born and reared in Portumna and have never left, so I have a lot of local knowledge about family names, local townlands. 

I love helping people trace their family roots by connecting with other locals and local historians, accessing church records, or simply making a few phone calls!

In your opinion, what is the key to building a successful local business?

Treating all your guests with kindness. I love my job, which definitely helps. I love meeting and chatting with people, sharing stories about the area, and enjoy hearing about the history and culture of other countries. Our guests walk in as strangers and leave as friends. 

How has Covid-19 affected your business overall?

The pandemic has seriously affected my business due to the fact that 80% of my guests are from overseas. However, we're open again now for domestic tourism. 

In better times, what’s your favourite spot in Portumna to have a bite, grab a pint, or just sit and watch the world go by?

There are lots of places to sit and eat in Portumna - favourites would be a picnic at Rinmaher Point in Forest Park or pizza at the Beehive.

What are you most looking forward to doing when everything is back to normal?

Going to where the sun is and taking some time out for me!

How can someone make a booking for Oak Lodge?

I work with various international travel agencies for angling and horseriding holiday packages. We offer bed and breakfast accommodation with comfortable, well-equipped rooms (all ensuite with complimentary wi-fi), including a choice of twin, double and family rooms. 

You can book via Booking.com or by contacting me directly on my website.

For more information about Oak Lodge and what to do in Portumna during your stay, check out the Lodging and Attractions tabs on the Xplore Local App and website.