A LEGENDARY figure in Ireland’s hospitality industry, Violet (Vi) McDowell, owner of the celebrated Gray’s Guesthouse at Dugort on Achill Island, has died. She was aged 99.
Writers and poets were among the steady stream of year round visitors to Ms McDowell’s cosy guesthouse at the foot of Slievemore Mountain which she took over in 1970 with her late husband, Arthur.
In 2006, she was named Host of the Year by travel writer Georgina Campbell, author of Georgina Campbell's Ireland, who described her as "an extraordinarily interested and hospitable hostess".
At the time, Ms Campbell alluded to the qualities of peace, quiet and gentle hospitality that had been attracting guests to Gray’s for more than 100 years.
Once when asked the secret of a long life, Ms McDowell replied “being happy”, adding that she had a wonderful husband and has always been interested in people.
Despite her advanced years, she played an active role in cooking for guests and looking after their comforts. Ms McDowell was predeceased by Arthur, a former bank manager. They had no children.
She will repose in Gray’s Guesthouse until 7.30pm tomorrow when she will be removed to the adjacent St Thomas’s Church.
Burial will take place in the church grounds on Thursday following a service at midday.