A Strong Voice for Irish Hotels & Guesthouses
Founded in 1937, the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) is the national organisation of the hotel and guesthouse industry in Ireland. The primary functions of the Federation are to uphold and promote the interests of members. The IHF represents over 900 hotels and guesthouses nationwide, employing over 69,000 people and is a key stakeholder in the Irish tourism sector. Click HERE to find out more about the benefits of becoming a member of the IHF.
IHF President & Chief Executive
Matt O'Connor, IHF President
The President of the IHF is elected by the members at the AGM and serves a two-year term of office. Elected in February 2026, Matt is the 41st President of the Irish Hotels Federation, succeeding Michael Magner. A native of Co. Wexford, Mr O’Connor is the Managing Director of the Mullingar Park Hotel, having been with the hotel since it first opened its doors 23 years ago. He has been an active member of the IHF since 2008, having served as Chair of the Midlands Branch and most recently as National Vice President. His extensive contribution to the Federation includes long-standing membership of the National Council and Management Committee. Click HERE to view media statement annoucing Matt's election.
Paul Gallagher, Chief Executive
As Chief Executive, Paul oversees the strategic direction and operation of the IHF, working closely with industry partners, Government and State agencies on behalf of the hotels sector to ensure the right conditions are in place to support the growth and development of Irish tourism and hospitality. A past President of the IHF and former Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), Paul was previously General Manager of Buswells Hotel, Dublin for 27 years. He is a Government appointee to Tourism Ireland as a Non-Executive Director and has previously served on numerous Government taskforces, including the Tourism Recovery Oversight Group, the Brexit Taskforce, the Advisory Group on Small Business, the Tourism Recovery Taskforce and Grow Dublin Taskforce. Paul is a fellow of the Irish Hospitality Institute and holds a Master’s Degree in Business and Hospitality as a graduate of the University of Galway and Shannon College of Hotel Management. Click HERE to view media statement annoucing Paul's appointment.Find out more about IHF members active on our National Council, Management Committee and Branches: National Council Management Committee Branch Network
Meet Our Team
Find out more about IHF members active on our National Council, Management Committee and Branches: National Council Management Committee Branch Network
