Lough Erne Resort has confirmed a detailed multi-million pound plan of expansion and improvement, strengthening its position as one of Ireland’s leading five-star hotels. The announcement comes as the County Fermanagh landmark, which employs more than 200 people, celebrates nearly ten years in business.
The three-year scheme, which is already under way, includes enhanced family facilities, a games room, refurbishment of guest rooms and remodeling of the popular Blaney Bar; further development of the championship links golf course designed by golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo, while future improvements include the addition of a leisure pool, to complement existing facilities at the unique Thai Spa.
The 120 room location sits on a 600 acre peninsula with spectacular views of the Fermanagh Lakelands and boasts the only links golf course in Ireland that can be played in wet conditions all year round. As a premium tourism destination for leisure and golf travelers, the investment will significantly increase the exposure of the Resort and the Fermanagh Lakelands region not only in Ireland, but in other areas of the UK, greater Europe and the US.
The program is the first major announcement from the Resort, which was chosen to host the high profile G8 Summit in 2013, since the purchase last year by an American investment group led by TRU Hotels and Resorts, a hotel investment and management company founded by veteran hoteliers Jeff Mahan and Mark Ward, and comes as the Resort confirms its new management team.
William Kirby, joins Lough Erne as General Manager having previously worked at the luxury five star hotel, spa and wedding venue Lyrath House and Mount Juliet Hotel. Xavier Perche, who was instrumental in securing a Michelin Star for Mount Juliet Hotel has been appointed Director of Food and Beverage, while one of the original Lough Erne senior management team, Joanne Walsh, is Business Development Manager.
Multi award-winning chef Noel McMeel continues to oversee the unrivalled food offering at the Resort, with a commitment to local produce in the 3 AA rosette Catalina Restaurant, The Loughside Bar & Grill specialising in quality Irish meats and seafood, and the eclectic grazing menu from the newly refurbished Blaney Bar.
William, who has extensive experience in luxury hotel and golf Resorts, says the investment underlines the team’s commitment to Lough Erne, to lead in the luxury hotel and golf market attracting further investment and visitors to the region.
“Lough Erne Resort is the destination of choice for luxury travel on the Island of Ireland, and one of our main priorities is to maintain and further develop the unrivalled high standards we are famous for. Guests are paramount and first class service levels for our visitors remain our focus.
“The investment coupled with our outstanding management team, some of whom have been with us since the Resort opening in 2007, will benefit not only our guests from across Ireland and beyond, but also the local community in Enniskillen we have been working closely with in recent times. Our successes will raise the profile not only of Lough Erne Resort, but of the entire Fermanagh County, and we look forward to continued strong relationships with local patrons and businesses.”
Lough Erne Resort www.lougherneresort.com