Shelbourne offers genealogy butler

American guests will have in-house guidance on tracing Irish ancestors

May 31 2007 04:42 AM

DUBLIN'S Shelbourne hotel has appointed a genealogy butler in a bid to lure high-spending American guests to the first lady of Dublin. The genealogist, who'll take up residence from tomorrow, will offer guests one-hour advisory sessions and help them to draw up practical research plans.

Those who can't wait to get started on the historical trail can also email forward their family details before they arrive to give the genealogist a head-start.

"When you look at the Americans coming here, a lot of them are coming to trace their roots so this makes sense," said Shelbourne general manager Liam Doyle.

Bill Marriott, chief executive of Marriott International which has the management contract for the Shelbourne through its Renaissance brand, said the service was a "wonderful idea".