Hotelier Brennan invests millions in Kenmare jewel Dromquinna Manor

TV’S TOURISM evangelist John Brennan of Kenmare is to invest millions of euro into a new Irish tourism venture.

Brennan and his wife Gwen have just successfully acquired Dromquinna Manor and 38 acres in Kenmare in a slowly-negotiated deal, pitching it as a perfect location for a glamorous camping resort.

Dromquinna has been on and off the market for the past four years, at one time seeking €12 million to €15m, though its last sale in the early 2000s was around the €4m mark. Its price last year had slumped to a €3m sale via Dublin agents CBRE, and its lease/option to buy deal now done is probably valued at just over €2m, making it a remarkable coup for the Brennans. There was strong under- bidder interest, given the quality of the mix that include a large period property, with one kilometre of shoreline, marina and pier, restaurant/wine bar, novelty tree-house and a host of amenities.

A new tourism product practically without rival in Ireland, it can deliver 25 to 30 jobs by April of next year, said Mr Brennan last night, exclusively confirming his purchase to the Irish Examiner.

And, he added, while it would be completely independent of the Park Hotel Kenmare which he is associated with, along with its owner, his brother Francis, there would be some tie-ins.

“It works for Gwen and I because it is so close to the town. If it was in Waterford or Sligo it wouldn’t have fitted. It will, for example, be able to do functions which the Park Hotel doesn’t cater for. It will bring a new tourism product to Kenmare, not competing with anything already here.”

In fact, he plans tie-ins with existing business like the Seafari, Star Sailing, horse riding, golf and a range of other facilities in Kenmare and along the Ring of Kerry.

Noting that there wasn’t a standard caravan park in Kenmare, Mr Brennan said they planned to offer a low-density/low impact base for stays of one night to a week for campers and families.