The developer of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter has revealed the first phase of a €20 million investment programme across its hotel portfolio.
Harcourt Developments spent over a year on a multimillion-euro project at Co Donegal’s only five-star hotel, Lough Eske Castle.
Designed by Belfast based architects RMI, the result of the recently completed works is set to be launched this autumn, adding 25 new luxurious suites and two double rooms to the popular wedding venue.
The Dublin-based company’s hotel portfolio includes the Titanic Hotel in Belfast and the Redcastle Hotel in Co Donegal.
Harcourt Developments’ group creative director, John Doherty, said Lough Eske’s new ‘Donegal Suites’ will showcase furnishings, artworks and amenities sourced and created by local craftspeople and businesses.
Interior features include custom tweed from world famous local weavers Magee 1866.
“The Harcourt Collection has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with the strongest growth seen in our five-star hotels,” he said.
“We’ve witnessed similar travel trends across our hotel collection which includes guests seeking luxury experiences, possibly with wider family or friendship groups, for slightly longer periods, and thanks to hybrid working, guests are increasingly travelling in shoulder and off-peak seasons.
“Specifically at Lough Eske Castle, we have seen a continued increase in international visitors to the hotel.
“This has been supported by increased air access to the island of Ireland, which has been a key factor in the success and growth of the luxury accommodation sector in Republic of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way.
“As Lough Eske Castle is Donegal’s only five-star hotel, we want to ensure the hotel meets this increasing demand, building on its existing award-winning reputation and genuine Donegal hospitality.”
The Harcourt Collection, which was created and is still managed by founder Patrick Doherty and his family, also includes the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool and Carlisle Bay Antigua.
Two further properties, Aspect Hotel Park West and Grand Central Bundoran, are currently operated by third parties.
