Hotel duo roll out €100m developments across region

TWO of Ireland’s best-known hoteliers are preparing to invest close to €100 million in projects in Cork and Kerry, the first of which is set to open on October 9.

John Gately, former owner of the Vienna Woods Hotel and group general manager for Fitzpatrick Hotels, has formed a new company, Gatlan Hotels, with Frankie Whelehan, managing director of Choice Hotels.

The pair purchased the former County Club Hotel in Cork last April for €6m and have embarked on an €18m refurbishment, which will be fully open next Monday.