My Weekend: 'When I'm off, I like to spend time with friends and family'

Tell us a bit about yourself:

My name is Davina Murphy and I’m from Youghal, Co Cork. I have one son, Michael, who works in the same hotel as me as a duty manager.

I am the accommodation manager at the Cork International Hotel, which is part of the Trigon group. I have been in this role for eight years and it’s a role I absolutely love because I am very passionate about standards, people, and ensuring guests have the best possible experience. I have worked in the hotel industry for many years.

While working at the Cork International Hotel, I have been very lucky to receive wonderful recognition, including being named IHI Accommodation Manager of the Year for 2025. I am also on the IASI (Irish Accommodation Services Institute) council.

What’s your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

That Friday night feeling can be any night when working in hotels and working weekends, but when I have a day off I like to spend time with friends and family and just enjoy myself after a busy week.

Lie-ins or up with the lark?

Oh, lie-in when I am off. My alarm goes off at 5.30am every morning so when I am off, I don’t set an alarm and enjoy my lie-ins.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

I try not to let it and the team is amazing, but I will always have work on my mind at some stage over my time off. It’s hard to switch off.

If money was no object, where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

New York would be on my list as it is one of my favourite places to go to. Before my husband Kieran passed away in 2022, we would go there yearly with my son Michael.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

I love living near the sea and Youghal has the most beautiful boardwalk and beaches, I should probably use them more than I do when they are on my doorstep.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at weekends?

Absolutely. I love being around people and catching up with family and friends. A good weekend for me usually involves going out, meeting people, having a laugh and enjoying my time with my family and friends.

Do you get to indulge in any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

Definitely the GAA. I love following it and going out to my local bar, Bertie’s, to watch the games — even when the result is not what we wanted. But I was brought up being told: win, lose, or draw, you fly your colours and support your team.

I have two nieces who also play GAA for our local club in Youghal so you can catch me at the side of the pitch cheering them on.

Entertain or be entertained?

I would say be entertained, I enjoy going out and having someone else do the cooking. Although I can cook, I’m happier sitting down and enjoying a meal than spending hours in the kitchen.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork — where are your go to spots for coffee/lunch/special meal?

I like to go to the Met Bar in the Metropole Hotel when I am in the city.

The Elm Tree in Glounthaune also has a lovely evening menu if I am on my way out of the city, and when I go out in Youghal I like to go to Aherns; I was only in there a few weeks ago and had the most beautiful steak.

Sunday night comes around too fast ... how do you normally spend it?

I would usually have a quieter evening after a busy weekend. I’ll get myself organised for the week ahead, relax and enjoy a nice evening at home. Sunday definitely comes around far too quickly though.

What time does you alarm clock go off on a Monday morning?

Early. My work week mostly starts on a Tuesday so I love a Monday off. To be honest, it is my favourite day of the week to have off.

When I set my alarm, it goes off at 5.30am every morning, but I actually enjoy getting into work early so I don’t mind.