West Cork hotel set for revamp following local take-over

A landmark West Cork hotel is set for major refurbishment after it was bought out of receivership by a local consortium.

Pat Gill, general manger of the Westlodge Hotel and Leisure Centre in Bantry, confirmed that a consortium of local business people has acquired the business, which had been in receivership for the last three years.

The move secures all the jobs at the 97-bedroom hotel and brings an end to what Mr Gill described as a difficult period.

“It is great to see the hotel come out of the receivership process and return to private ownership once more,” he said.

The consortium has now unveiled extensive renovation plans, which are due to get underway over the coming months.

The plans include the refurbishment of 20 bedrooms by the end of September, followed by another 40 rooms before St Patrick’s Day nest year.

It is hoped that the hotel’s public areas, including the entrance, the lobby, and food and beverage outlets, will also be transformed within a year.

The renovations will not affect the running or operations of the hotel, which will remain open throughout the works.

“The benefit of these works will filter down to the local community as the new owners will use as many local contractors and suppliers as possible,” said Mr Gill.

He thanked the staff who have kept the hotel running for the last three years and said: “Through their actions they have saved their own jobs.

“We are looking forward to starting a new and exciting chapter in the Westlodge story and invite our loyal customers and new customers to come and see the new Westlodge take shape over the coming year.”

West Cork Tourism welcomed the announcement.

“This is a huge vote of confidence in West Cork Tourism,” chairman Finbarr Harrington said.

“The fact that all employment is secure, and the plans the consortium have to renovate the complex, will be a strong boost to the local economy.”

The three-star Westlodge Hotel, which also includes nine self-catering cottages, has been a focal point of Bantry for more than 40 years. Set in 23 acres of landscaped gardens with nature trails, it boasts a stunning setting overlooking Bantry Bay.

Bantry itself is host to a diverse range of events including the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, Masters of Tradition festival, West Cork Literary festival, Bay Run Half Marathon, National Windsurfing Championships, the Fastnet International Rally, and Bantry Show (the largest in Munster).

The acquisition of the Westlodge Hotel follows on from two other positive hotel sales in West Cork over recent months.

In April, it was announced that the former Harbour View/East End Hotel in Schull on the Mizen peninsula is due to reopen soon.