Major renovation in store for four-star hotel
The four-star Great Southern Hotel, in Parknasilla, near Sneem, recently purchased by Dublin property developer Bernard McNamara for a reported €40 million, is to be refurbished and upgraded.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern spends some of his summer holidays in the 60-bedroom hotel each year.
Guests in the past included the writer George Bernard Shaw, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco and a host of celebrities and statesmen.
Mr McNamara expects the hotel, located on 300 acres of parkland by the sea, to reopen next May or June.
The hotel has planning permission for a complete renovation of its public areas, a new leisure facility, extra bedrooms and suites and an additional 67 apartments and holiday homes in the extensive grounds.
Opened in 1890’s, the hotel is renowned for its old world ambience and is said by industry sources to have the potential to become one of Ireland’s most exclusive hotels.
As part of the Great Southern Hotel group, it had been in semi-State control prior to its sale last August Mr McNamara.
The sale of the hotel marks the end of an era with some long-serving staff in Parknasilla, some of whom have more than 40 years service, retiring. They include Sonny Looney and Jackie Moriarty.
