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.