At Your Service
Season 8
At Your Service is an Irish makeover television programme, the first series of which was broadcast on RTÉ One in 2008. It is a creation of Waddell Media, who are behind How Long Will You Live? and Looking For Love.
Presented by expert hotelier brothers Francis and John Brennan of the five-star Park Hotel in Kenmare, County Kerry, the premise of the show is that business makeovers are given by the duo to B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels across Ireland. The advice given covers various aspects of management, including staffing, catering arrangements, menus, room inspections and indoor and outdoor redecoration.
Francis is responsible for the main inspection, whilst John investigates financial issues, searches for new marketing opportunities and advises on how to develop in the future. Francis is particularly known for his meticulous attention to detail.
Presented by expert hotelier brothers Francis and John Brennan of the five-star Park Hotel in Kenmare, County Kerry, the premise of the show is that business makeovers are given by the duo to B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels across Ireland. The advice given covers various aspects of management, including staffing, catering arrangements, menus, room inspections and indoor and outdoor redecoration.
Francis is responsible for the main inspection, whilst John investigates financial issues, searches for new marketing opportunities and advises on how to develop in the future. Francis is particularly known for his meticulous attention to detail.
Where to Watch Season 8
8 Episodes
- Self-Catering Cottages, Dunany Townland, Co Louth
E1Self-Catering Cottages, Dunany Townland, Co LouthThis week Francis is helping Caroline Workman who’s keen to create a new holiday rentals business in the grounds of her family’s country house. Caroline makes ends meet by selling her homemade bread and cakes at Drogheda’s weekly market. But by renovating her cottages she hopes to create a much-needed new source of income. However, the pressure is on as the cottages must be ready in time for a family wedding and, although she has has bags of enthusiasm, she’s sadly lacking in business experience. - Curraghchase Caravan & Camping Park, Kilcornan, Co Limerick
E3Curraghchase Caravan & Camping Park, Kilcornan, Co LimerickGlamping expert John Brennan returns to At Your Service in this week’s episode when he’s called in by his brother Francis to help a novice caravan park owner. 29 year old Warren Higgins has taken on a nerve-wracking project which involves reopening a disused caravan and camping park. He’s got a business plan – but after discussion with John finds it needs a speedy rethink. And that’s not the only rush – the park has to open for the vital summer season, but after 4 years under wraps there’s a ton of work to complete before it’ll be in any way ready for happy campers. - Hazelwood Lodge, Ballyvaughan, Co.Clare
E5Hazelwood Lodge, Ballyvaughan, Co.ClareIt’s a family affair for Francis Brennan this week as he’s called in to help with not one, but two, new business ventures. Victor and Geraldine Mc Sweeney have bought a 9 bedroom disused guesthouse near Ballyvaughan. Their daughter Lesley, her partner Darren (and their baby Liv) have taken out a lease on tea rooms in the centre of the village. The guesthouse needs a total revamp but with so much going on can the Mc Sweeneys meet Francis’s strict 10-week deadline before opening? - The Bluestack Centre, Co. Donegal
E6The Bluestack Centre, Co. DonegalThe Bluestack Centre really is at the heart of this rural community in Donegal and offers everything from bingo sessions to jiving nights. But their real money spinner should be the Centre’s 28 bed hostel which, despite its pristine condition, is getting very few bookings. Francis Brennan has been called in to come up with a strategy to fill beds and get the Bluestack Centre earning its keep - The Twin Trees Hotel
E7The Twin Trees HotelThe Twin Trees Hotel (formerly known as the Downhill House Hotel) has been bought out of receivership and needs to entice back the business it once attracted. But owners Rachael and David are working almost round the clock to keep this 55 room hotel running. They need direction from Francis Brennan on how to focus their energies and turn around the hotel’s fortunes. - Eco-friendly Hostel in Connemara, Co,. Galway
E8Eco-friendly Hostel in Connemara, Co,. GalwayA 50 metre long washing dryer is just one of the many intriguing finds for Francis when he’s challenged to help an eco-friendly hostel in the remote Connemara area of County Galway. Running the hostel is the dream of one-time traveller and local man Stephen Gannon, who’s owned the hostel for the last 25 years. He’s proud of his ecologically self-sufficient business but his love of recycling means that the place now resembles a junkyard! What will five star Francis think?
