KILLARNEY'S CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL HOSTS BOTANICAL WATERCOLOUR PAINTING WITH MARY DILLON AT NINETEENTH CENTURY

BOTANICAL WATERCOLOUR PAINTING WITH MARY DILLON

AT NINETEENTH CENTURY CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, KILLARNEY

Mary Dillon

The historic, four-star Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry (Ireland) is delighted to once again host a spring flower inspired botanical watercolour painting workshop from the 5^th to the 8^th of March 2023.  The three-night ‘Watercolour Painting Package’ costs from €549 per person sharing.  Renowned watercolour artist, Mary Dillon, heads up this residential course which includes three nights bed and breakfast with a full Irish Breakfast each morning and one evening meal. 

Guests will check in on Sunday, 5^th of March and will enjoy welcome drinks and an introduction to the course by Mary Dillon. This wonderful residential painting workshop also includes a farewell table d'hôte dinner in the stunning 2 AA Herbert’s Restaurant on Tuesday evening. Over the course of the workshop the participants will be tutored in the art of watercolour and will learn how to bring the majesty and colour of spring flowers to life on paper. All materials will be provided including colours, brushes, palettes, watercolour paper and drawing boards and there is no experience necessary. This fabulous course will include two and half days of painting in the elegant Drawing Room in Cahernane House Hotel which overlooks the hotel’s mature gardens and Killarney National Park.

Mary Dillon is a world class botanical artist and an outstanding, engaging, and inspiring teacher who is passionate about painting and plants. She is a member of the Watercolour Society of Ireland and was the founding Chairperson of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists. 

 

Mary will guide you through simple drawing and painting techniques to help you capture the essence of a plant with its sensuality and frailty. If you already have some experience, she will work with you to enhance your skills and increase your competence. Each day you will learn, practice, and apply the skills required to create your own botanical watercolour painting.

 

Mary's Black Tulip

Speaking in advance of the Spring Flower Painting Workshop at Cahernane, Mary said, “During our workshop we will slow down, taking time to really look at the bright, fresh and vibrant colours of the changing seasons. We will learn simple techniques to accurately draw plants by observing their structures and shapes and using light and shade to bring life to your drawing and painting. Having learned how to find just the right colour mix for your painting we will use first wet and then dry watercolour painting techniques, painting fine detail, and layering colours. This will also be a wonderful opportunity to experience painting and nature in a mindful and relaxed atmosphere.”

 

Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is the perfect place to get away from it all this spring. Removed from the main throughfare of Killarney and set on its own private grounds on the edge of Killarney National Park, the house presents plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy a relaxing and creative getaway. The Muckross Road, where Cahernane House is located is often referred to as ‘The gateway to the Ring of Kerry’, renowned for its spectacular scenery and ancient history.

 

Built in 1877, Cahernane House Hotel has been extensively renovated by the owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 grand bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms. The Coach House Bedrooms have all been decorated in vibrant colours and the soft furnishings and wallpapers have been inspired by the flora of Kerry and its famous wildflowers.

Cahernane House Hotel is well known for its fantastic food which is created by the Executive Chef Cormac Vesey and his team. The Cellar Bar serves casual food daily while fine dining is offered in Herbert’s.

For more information on Cahernane House Hotel or to book the Watercolour Painting with Mary Dillon see www.cahernane.com or call   +353 (0) 64 663 1895.

SPRING FLOWER WATERCOLOUR PAINTING WORKSHOP AT CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY (IRELAND)

SPRING FLOWER WATERCOLOUR PAINTING WORKSHOP AT CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY (IRELAND)

The historic, four-star Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry (Ireland) will host a spring flower inspired botanical watercolour painting workshop from the 6^th to the 9^th of March 2022. The three -night package is called ‘Watercolour Painting Escape with Mary’ and costs from €470 per person sharing.  The residential course is headed up by renowned watercolour artist, Mary Dillon (right) and includes three nights bed and breakfast with a full Irish Breakfast each morning and one evening meal. Guests will check in on Sunday, 6^th of March and that evening will enjoy welcome drinks and an introduction to the course by Mary Dillon. This wonderful residential painting workshop also includes a farewell table d'hôte dinner in the stunning 2 AA Herbert Restaurant on Tuesday evening. Over the course of the workshop the participants will learn how to bring the majesty and colour of spring flowers to life on paper, all the while being tutored in the art of watercolour. No painting experience is necessary and all materials will be provided including colours, brushes, palettes, watercolour paper and drawing boards. This fabulous experience will include two and half days of painting in the elegant Drawing Room in Cahernane House Hotel which overlooks the hotel’s mature gardens and Killarney National Park.

Mary Dillon is passionate about painting and plants and she has gained an international reputation as an artist and tutor. She is a member of the Watercolour Society of Ireland and was the founding Chairperson of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists.  Her painting, ‘Black Parrot Tulip’ was chosen as the signature image for the exhibition, ‘Drawn From Nature’ which was held recently in the National Gallery of Ireland.

 

Mary will guide you through simple drawing and painting techniques to help you to capture the essence of your chosen subject. If you already have some experience, she will work with you to enhance your skills and increase your competence. Each day you will learn, practice, and apply the skills required to create your own botanical watercolour painting.

 

Speaking in advance of the Botanical Painting Workshop at Cahernane, Mary said, “during our workshop we will slow down, taking time to really look at the bright, fresh and vibrant colours of the changing seasons. We will learn simple techniques to accurately draw plants by observing their structures and shapes. Learning to look for light and shade will bring life to your drawing and painting. Having learned how to find just the right colour mix for your painting we will use first wet and then dry watercolour painting techniques. painting fine detail and layering colours. While learning to capture the beauty of spring bulbs, this will also be a wonderful opportunity to experience painting and nature in a mindful and relaxed atmosphere.”

 

Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is the perfect place to get away from it all this spring. Removed from the main throughfare of Killarney and set on its own private grounds on the edge of Killarney National Park, the house presents plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy a relaxing and creative getaway. The Muckross Road, where Cahernane House is located is often referred to as ‘The gateway to the Ring of Kerry’, renowned for its spectacular scenery and ancient history.

 

Built in 1877, Cahernane House Hotel has been extensively renovated by the owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 grand bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms. The Coach House Bedrooms have all been decorated in vibrant colours and the soft furnishings and wallpapers have been inspired by the flora of Kerry and its famous wildflowers.

Cahernane House Hotel is well known for its fantastic food which is created by the Executive Chef Eric Kavanagh and his team. The Cellar Bar serves casual food daily while fine dining is offered in the Herbert Restaurant.

For more information on Cahernane House Hotel or to book the Watercolour Escape with Mary Dillon see www.cahernane.com or call   +353 (0) 64 663 1895.

press release

CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL FOR MYTHS LEGENDS, GHOSTS AND GHOULS

press release 

Seanchaí Eddie Lenihan

IRISH MYTHS LEGENDS, GHOSTS AND GHOULS AT THE MANOR

-4- STAR CAHERNANE HOUSE 

HOTEL, KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY LAUNCHES ITS HALLOWEEN 2021 PACKAGE-

 

As part of its residential Halloween package, the historic Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry will host a night of storytelling this Halloween with Eddie Lenihan, one of the few traditional seanchaí’s still working in Ireland.  Eddie will tell the residents ancient stories about the myths and legends of Irish folklore as well as some of the Irish fairy stories which he has collected from old people over the years. 

Irish fairy stories form a prominent part of his huge repertoire, but there are historical tales too, stories of notable figures such as the banshee, devil stories, accounts of saints, of monsters, ogres, giants and ghosts. Some of the stories are not for the faint hearted and were collected from his years of research and by walking the tracks and trails of forgotten Ireland where solitary hawthorn bushes mark the sacred meeting places of the fairies.

Historic Cahernane House Hotel

An interesting character, and an enthralling storyteller, Eddie has captured the imagination of audiences from Dublin to Dubai.  The story telling evening is for residents only and is part of a two-night Halloween Break which includes other ‘not so scary’ activities for children!

 

Located just outside the centre of the thriving town of Killarney, the 48-bedroom Cahernane House Hotel is still far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Kerry’s major urban centre to offer a secluded and tranquil getaway. It is located on 6.4 acres of verdant grounds and is adjacent to the Killarney Lakes and Killarney National Park.  Cahernane House Hotel was originally built in 1877 as a family residence for Henry Herbert at a cost of £5,992. The original plans were to build a mansion three times the size of what it is presently, but the next generation of the Herbert family fell on hard times and let the property out as a hotel. As a result, the property feels and looks more like a grand, country, private residence rather than a hotel.

 

Reminiscent of times gone by, the house never lost its Victorian charm despite the changeover of owner’s numerous times throughout its history.  It too has great history and many people have reported seeing the ghost of Gwendolyn Herbert, the daughter of the original owner of the house as she makes her way eerily up the grand hand carved oak staircase.

 

The Halloween package at Cahernane is available for any 2 nights from the 23^rd – 25^th of October and is priced from €349 per adult sharing for bed and breakfast for two nights for two adults and two children.  It also includes dinner for the family on one evening, a kid’s movie and popcorn and storytelling with Eddie Lenihan for adults in the Drawing Room.  The property is renowned for its food and with chef Eric Kavanagh at the helm in the kitchen, foodies have some real treats in store (The Herbert Restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes and offers the best in season dishes expertly prepared by Eric Kavanagh and his team).

 

On arrival to Cahernane guests will find treats and sweets in their rooms for the children and that night children can enjoy a family Halloween movie with popcorn.  There are great places to explore in the area including Muckross House and Ross Castle on the shore of Lough Leane. The castle was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century and is believed to be one of Ireland’s most haunted castles. It is said that every seven years O’Donoghue himself rises from the lake and circles the shore on a splendid white horse. The legend goes that those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the spectre will have good fortune for the rest of their lives!

To book The Halloween package at Cahernane House Hotel or for more information please see www.cahernane.com or call +353 64 663 1895

 

DESTINATION KILLARNEY! -CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL IS THE ULTIMATE STAYCATION DESTINATION THIS SUMMER-

 DESTINATION KILLARNEY! 

-CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL IS THE ULTIMATE STAYCATION DESTINATION THIS SUMMER-

The Cellar Bar

Planning your great escape?  Need a luxurious staycation to look forward to?  One of Ireland’s most elegant country houses, Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is the perfect place to get away from it all this summer. Removed from the main throughfare of Killarney and set on its own private grounds on the edge of Killarney National Park, the house presents plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy a relaxing, private getaway with their family. The Muckross Road, where Cahernane House is located is often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Ring of Kerry’, renowned for its spectacular scenery and ancient history.  

Enjoy a longer stay and truly unwind in this elegant manor house, with the ‘Destination Killarney’ package (from €603 per person sharing).  This offer is available as a 4- or 5-night option and allows guests that little bit more time to linger and leave the stresses of everyday life behind.  The 5-night Destination Killarney Package includes a luxurious stay in a Deluxe Room with a freshly cooked breakfast each morning and a 4-course evening meal served on four evenings.  Guests will enjoy a fine dining experience in the 2 AA Rosette Herbert Restaurant.  The package also includes a complimentary history tour of the 19^th century manor house which has been sympathetically restored to its former glory by the current owners, the PREM Group.

Cahernane House is a great base to explore the stunning hidden trails and lesser-known scenic spots the area has to offer.   Killarney National Park is famed for its majestic lakes, verdant forests, and magical waterfalls.  The park has lots of walks and hikes to suit all ages, fitness levels and abilities and there are lots of stunning places to see nearby such as Ross Castle, Muckross House and Dinis Cottage.

Guests are welcome to use the complimentary hotel bicycles to explore and there is even a suggested daily itinerary and maps available for guests to use.  If you wanted to head out for the day you can always ask chef to prepare a picnic box to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Built in 1877, Cahernane House Hotel has been extensively renovated by the owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 grand bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms.

 

Famed for its fantastic food, Executive Chef Eric Kavanagh and his team serve delicious casual fare in the Cellar Bar and delectable dishes in the fine dining Herbert Restaurant while afternoon tea is served daily in the elegant Drawing Room.

For more information on Cahernane House Hotel see www.cahernane.com or call    +353 (0) 64 663 1895.

press release

EASTER EXTRA AT CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, CO. KERRY

press release

EASTER EXTRA AT CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, CO. KERRY

Planning a holiday?  Need a luxurious break to look forward to?  One of Ireland’s most elegant country houses, Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is the perfect place to escape to this Easter. Removed from the main thoroughfare of Killarney and set on its own private grounds on the edge of the Killarney National Park, the house presents plenty of opportunity for guests to enjoy a relaxing, private getaway with their family.

The Easter Family Escape is a 2-night package and costs from €291 per night for two adults and two children under 12 sharing. The package includes accommodation in a Superior Garden Wing room with full Irish breakfast on both mornings, gourmet Afternoon Tea and an exquisite 2-course evening meal on the evening of your choice. Children will love the personalised homemade cookies on arrival and will be very excited to join the Easter Bunny on Easter Saturday for an egg hunt. All of the children will also be given a complimentary ‘Cahernane Duck’, a cute soft toy to remind them of their stay. 

Set on the edge of Killarney National Park and Lakes, the historic country house enjoys a tranquil location yet is just a twenty-minute stroll into Killarney town itself.  Complimentary bicycles are available for guests to use and the front desk team have guided maps for you to adventure around Killarney National Park.  The Muckross Road, where Cahernane House is located is often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Ring of Kerry’, renowned for its spectacular scenery and ancient history.  

Built in 1877, Cahernane House Hotel has been extensively renovated by the owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 grand bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the former Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms.

The property is well known for the fabulous food served by chef Eric Kavanagh and his team in the 2 AA Rosette Herbert Restaurant. Guests can also enjoy delectable casual dining in the quirky Cellar Bar which is just the place to enjoy a pre-dinner pint of the black stuff or an elegant cocktail. For more information on Cahernane House Hotel see www.cahernane.com or call +353 (0) 64 663 1895.

******

Ed. Note: Easter falls on the first weekend of April this year. Fingers crossed that some of the Covid travel restrictions will be lifted by then!

RESTORE AND EXPLORE IN THE HEART OF THE KINGDOM

 PRESS RELEASE

RESTORE AND EXPLORE IN THE HEART OF THE KINGDOM

 

The 4-star, Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry offers guests a chance to withdraw from the busy world and to find time for themselves to indulge in great food, to enjoy the soundest of sleeps and to explore the great outdoors. The gardens of this wonderful old country house will soon wear the colours of autumn and the annual seasonal, leafy display shows natures colours at their golden best.   With its mature gardens, elegant drawing rooms, open log fires and stunning interiors, this 18^th century country house hotel is just the place to escape to.

Set on the edge of Killarney National Park and lakes, the historic country house enjoys a tranquil, secluded location yet is just a twenty-minute stroll into Killarney town itself. 

 

The Restore and Explore package (from €285 per person sharing) includes two nights bed and breakfast for two people, tea and scones in the elegant drawing room overlooking the gardens and a glass of bubbles on arrival.  There is also a complimentary history tour and guests are guaranteed a truly restorative sleep, thanks to the Seventh Heaven Beds and absolute peace and quiet of the house. 

The following day, following a great night’s sleep you will be refreshed and ready to head out and explore Killarney National Park which surrounds the house and is within walking distance of Cahernane.  Killarney National Park is stunning during the autumn period as the ancient trees are clothed in the most vibrant autumn colours. After your exploration, what could be nicer or more peaceful than sitting down in front of roaring fire with a glass of wine or a pint of the black stuff?

 

Built in 1877, the property has been sympathetically remodeled by the current owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the former Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms. Inside the Manor House there is a grand dining room and drawing room, a light filled atrium, library and the quirky, Cellar Bar which serves delicious food. Original antiques, paintings and stunning chandeliers set the tone for classic country elegance and guests will find numerous peaceful rooms to escape to with a book and retreat from the busy world.

 

The Coach House is a completely separate building to the main Manor House and is available for exclusive hire for families or friends. This beautiful old stone cut building has its own separate entrances which allows guest staying here to minimise their interaction with others if they so wish.  Several dining options will also allow for social distancing with dining options including The Herbert Restaurant, The Cellar Bar, the Library and Atrium.   Al Fresco dining in the extensive gardens and terraces will also be offered and if you want to get out and explore the locality you can ask chef to prepare a picnic to bring with you.

 

Three of the best Irish Summer Staycations

press release

ROUND UP OF THE TOP THREE IRISH SUMMER STAYCATIONS

 

Cahernane House

CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, KILLARNEY, KERRY

The Killarney Secret Trails package (€379.50 per person sharing) will allow guests the chance to explore some of Killarney’s (Co. Kerry) most beautiful nature trails.  Neighbours include the magnificent Muckross Abbey, a 15^th century monastery and Muckross House which is the sister property of Cahernane House and was once the residence of Henry Herbert’s brother, the original owner of the house.

Emer Corridan, General Manager of Cahernane House Hotel said, “Traditionally, Killarney is extremely busy all summer with visitors who follow well known tourist trails and who tend to flock to the same places.  In these strange times we live in now, we want to offer our guests the chance to explore some lesser known, quieter beauty spots and will provide maps to some secret trails, such as The Blue Pool, Governor’s Rock, Reenadrina and Killegy Woods. We also hope to show people a different part of Killarney and offer our visitors a chance to rediscover this beautiful part of the world.”  The Killarney Secret Trails package includes three-nights’ accommodation with breakfast each morning, welcome tea and scones on arrival, a 3-course dinner on two evenings with a pre -dinner glass of Prosecco. A picnic lunch is also included on two days for guests to enjoy while they explore some of Killarney’s lesser known, ‘secret trails’.

For more details or to book the Killarney Secret Trails package see www.cahernane.com or call Cahernane House Hotel on +353 (064) 6631895.

LYRATH ESTATE, KILKENNY

The Lyrath Estate Staycation Package at the Five-Star Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny is available as a 2,3- or 5-night package and includes bed and breakfast, lunch, tea and cake and dinner each evening (from €400 per adult sharing). The170 acre estate offers guests a myriad of outdoor activities to enjoy in its new ‘staycation’ packages including archery, fishing, and learning how to fly your own bird of prey.  There are also skincare talks, yoga classes, whiskey tastings, cocktail making classes and cooking with the chef in the outdoor, covered BBQ pavilion.  Other facilities at the luxury resort include a swimming pool and gym, the award-winning Oasis Spa, several restaurants, and bars and even a private cinema. 

If you have been home schooling and stuck at home with bored children, then look no further than the Lyrath Estate Summer Family Break.  This summer make some five-star memories with your children without having to lift a finger yourself! Children will love the swimming pool, games room, fairy trail, complimentary bicycles, playground, zip wire and the mini football pitch.  If it is a wet day the hotel’s 22-seater private cinema can be booked out for a private family cinema viewing. The Lyrath Estate Summer Family Break costs €210 per adult sharing and includes two nights bed and breakfast and dinner on one evening for the adults.  Interconnecting rooms are available, while the cost for children, sharing with their parents aged between 4-12 is charged at just €25 per night.

If you are looking for a romantic break away and an opportunity to reconnect with your loved one, you could choose the ‘Your Summer Story Package’ (€210 per adult sharing). It includes two nights bed and breakfast, dinner on one evening and cream tea on an afternoon of your choice. 

To book your great five-star Kilkenny Escape now log on to www.lyrath.com or call + 353 (0) 56 7760088.

TULFARRIS HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT, BLESSINGTON, CO. WICKLOW

-ENJOY THE ROYAL TREATMENT AT THE EXCLUSIVE MANOR HOUSE AT TULFARRIS HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT-

The Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort in Blessington, Co. Wicklow (Ireland) dates back over 200 years but the origins of the estate on which it stands can be traced back to the 12^th century. Situated on the shores of the stunning Blessington Lakes the house has been a private home to noble families, military leaders and to sports stars. You can now be part of the history and story of Tulfarris and experience all of the splendour that this beautiful ‘Grand Dame’ has to offer as the 18^th Century, Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort is now available for exclusive hire.

In these strange pandemic times exclusive hire can often be an attractive option for families who want to come together but still remain within their own small group.  The Manor House at Tulfarris provides people with a unique opportunity to holiday together but apart from others. It is also extremely rare to find a property that offers complete privacy, yet offers a full service complete with extensive dining offerings.

With its classic Georgian design and elegant proportions, the house has been completely restored to bring it back to its former glory.  It now includes 7 luxurious bedrooms which have been decorated in heritage colours and fabrics, evocative of the style in which the house was built. Modern and contemporary facilities and comforts have been sympathetically added to the old building while not impinging on its historical design.

On the ground floor there are two elegant reception rooms, a library and a dining room, which offer relaxed spaces for families and friends to gather. The spectacular dining room can seat 14 people for dinner and provides an elegant space for friends to gather and enjoy a private dinner.  The various drawing rooms with their Italian marble fireplaces are comfortable spots to sit and enjoy an after-dinner drink or a chat or simply to lounge around, reading, watching movies, or playing family board games.

The exclusive hire of the Manor House at Tulfarris includes bed and breakfast, private dining in the drawing room a half a bottle of wine per person and a prosecco reception on arrival.  Breakfast is also served in the drawing room so that guests staying at the Manor House do not need to go to the main hotel during their stay if they so wish. 

Children will love to explore the vast estate which surrounds the Manor House which is home to foxes, rabbits, otters, squirrels and deer which walk freely around the estate.  Little touches such as milk and cookies at turndown service, board games and arts and craft materials for children are popular with the little ones and help make special memories. The cost for the exclusive hire of the 7-bedroom Manor House to include bed, breakfast and dinner is €3,010 per night.

DISCOVER KILLARNEY’S SECRET TRAILS WITH CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL

Cahernane's Cellar Bar

press release

DISCOVER KILLARNEY’S SECRET TRAILS WITH CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL

-CAHERNANE  TO REOPEN 2nd JULY-



The 4-star, Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry has launched several new luxurious packages which embrace the great outdoors this summer. With its mature gardens and surroundings, elegant drawing rooms and stunning interiors, this country house hotel is a real life, Irish ‘Downton Abbey’.

Set on the edge of Killarney National Park and lakes, the historic country house enjoys a tranquil, secluded location yet is just a twenty-minute stroll into Killarney town itself.

Built in 1877, the property has been sympathetically remodeled by the current owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the former Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms. Inside the Manor House there is a grand dining room and drawing room, a light filled atrium, library and the quirky, Cellar Bar which serves delicious food. Original antiques, paintings and stunning chandeliers set the tone for classic country elegance and guests will find numerous peaceful rooms to escape to with a book and retreat from the busy world.

The Coach House is a completely separate building to the main Manor House and is available for exclusive hire for families or friends. This beautiful old stone cut building has its own separate entrances which allows guest staying here to minimise their interaction with others if they so wish. Several dining options will also allow for social distancing with dining options including The Herbert Restaurant, The Cellar Bar, the Library and Atrium. Al Fresco dining in the extensive gardens and terraces will also be offered and if you want to get out and explore the locality you can ask chef to prepare a picnic to bring with you.

The Killarney Secret Trails package (€379.50 per person sharing) will allow guests the chance to explore some of Killarney’s most beautiful nature trails. Neighbours include the magnificent Muckross Abbey, a 15th century monastery and Muckross House which is the sister property of Cahernane House and was once the residence of Henry Herbert’s brother, the original owner of the house.

Emer Corridan, General Manager of Cahernane House Hotel said, “Traditionally, Killarney is extremely busy all summer with visitors who follow well known tourist trails and who tend to flock to the same places. In these strange times we live in now, we want to offer our guests the chance to explore some lesser known, quieter beauty spots and will provide maps to some secret trails, such as The Blue Pool, Governor’s Rock, Reenadrina and Killegy Woods. We also hope to show people a different part of Killarney and offer our visitors a chance to rediscover this beautiful part of the world.” The Killarney Secret Trails package includes three-nights’ accommodation with breakfast each morning, welcome tea and scones on arrival, a 3-course dinner on two evenings with a pre -dinner glass of Prosecco. A picnic lunch is also included on two days for guests to enjoy while they explore some of Killarney’s lesser known, ‘secret trails’.

For more details or to book the Killarney Secret Trails package see www.cahernane.com or call Cahernane House Hotel on +353 (064) 6631895.

PREM GROUP CEO CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO SUPPORT HOSPITALITY SECTOR

PREM GROUP CEO CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

 TO SUPPORT HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney. A morning view from  bedroom

Jim Murphy, CEO of Irish based international hospitality giant PREM Group has called for an immediate review of the reopening dates for hotels.  Under the current COVID- 19 government roadmap hotels are not due to open until the 20^th of July, which Murphy says will be far too late for hotels to try and salvage what will be left of the summer season. 

“There is no doubt that the government, the Chief Medical Office and the Irish public have done tremendous work in tackling and suppressing the coronavirus.   It is now, however time to urgently deal with the detrimental economic consequences that this virus has left in its wake.  Under the current roadmap restaurants can open for diners and guests at the end of June, this includes restaurants in hotels. However, those same diners can’t then stay at the very hotel in which they have dined. This seems ludicrous, if someone can go out and eat in a space where there are other people around them then it’s reasonable to think that it’s even safer for that same guest to move to their own, private hotel room after they have dined?  We would urgently call on the government to bring forward the planned reopening date for hotels, however if this were to happen the 20km travel restriction would also have to be lifted.  The travel restriction and the reopening date cannot be reviewed in isolation and must be addressed immediately in order to tackle a potential catastrophic crisis which the tourism and hospitality industry is facing.”

PREM Group was established in 1996 and is an international hospitality business operating in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. It owns and operates 38 properties and has 2,990 bedrooms across the various properties which include aparthotels operated under the PREMIER SUITES brand, business and leisure hotels, golf resorts and country house properties.  Hotels in Ireland which are owned by PREM Group include Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort, Wicklow, Osprey Hotel, Naas, Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney and The Hoban Hotel, Kilkenny.   The group has 1,046 people under direct report, 83% of these employees have now been laid off.

“We have great staff and a team of people who manage and run our hotels and properties as well as our business supports divisions which include our hospitality management division PREM Hospitality, RateWise, Sprint Digital, Trinity Hotel Groups, Rewards From Us To You, and our Premier Business Centres. All of these people are keen to get back to work, indeed the hospitality industry as a whole is very keen to get people back to work.  Hospitality staff are the backbone of our economy and are particularly important in rural areas which are dependent on tourism. There are now over 260,000 hospitality workers laid off in this country.  If the government do not take decisive, clear, and immediate action many small hotels and hospitality outlets may never trade again. There is also too much confusion and debate around the 1 metre versus 2 metre distance rule and too much uncertainty around VAT, business supports and the continuation of the job subsidy scheme.”

View from the dining room at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort

Murphy believes that the government must listen to hospitality groups such as the IHF and IBEC who have been urgently calling for various measures to be put in place such as the removal of quarantine restrictions and the replacement of the 2 metre social distancing measure to 1 metres.

From a practical point of view the hospitality industry needs urgent support,” he said, “liquidity measures and business grants must be put in place to help tourism businesses to survive.  There are huge extra costs now associated with doing business in a COVID- 19 or post pandemic world, there is more training required for staff, strict and comprehensive cleaning and sterilizing and greatly reduced capacity for guests. We have to operate with more costs and fewer guests.”

“Our many hotel and hospitality colleagues have constantly asked for the reduction in tourism VAT.   This is so important and would secure the viability of Irish tourism into the future. ‘When we travel again’ is a hashtag that has been used a lot by many tourism outlets, but don’t forget that when our international visitors travel again Ireland must be seen as good value, we must be able to compete against popular tourism destinations abroad.” He also added that the job subsidy scheme for tourism and hospitality should be continued and that local authority rates and charges should be abolished for at least 12 months to allow businesses to get back up and running again.

He went on to say, “We have several properties which we own or operate right across Europe, our Belgian properties can open on the 8^th of June and on the 1^{st of} July we will open our flagship PREMIER SUITES PLUS property in Amsterdam.   If we can do business in Continental Europe then why not here?  We are falling way behind our European counterparts and our economy is suffering as a result. We are already providing accommodation for frontline and essential workers at several of our Irish hotels where we have strict COVID-19 protocols in place for months, why not apply the same procedures now for guests?  Our team and staff have been trained in our new procedures which include actions such as contactless check in at reception, extra deep cleaning of rooms and public spaces, social distancing and best practice at our spas and health centres. Ireland is way behind now, other countries are jumping ahead, and we are in real danger of losing the season.” 

The new PREMIER SUITES PLUS property in Amsterdam includes 88 luxurious one-bedroom units, 26 two-bedroom apartments and 1 three-bedroom apartment. The units have been designed with the medium to long stay business traveller in mind and are furnished with a fully equipped kitchen with combi-oven, microwave, hob, fridge, freezer, washing/dryer machine and coffee machine. There is also include a modern living area with a flat screen TV and luxury hotel bed from the Seventh Heaven range. Bathrooms are equipped with a power-shower and luxurious toiletries are provided. A housekeeping service is also being offered to residents once a week while a reception team is available 24/7.

PREM Group has extensive experience in the aparthotel space and the Amsterdam property is the group’s second serviced aparthotel property to open in Holland under the PREMIER SUITES PLUS brand having opened in Rotterdam in 2017.  PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam is PREM Group’s 16^th aparthotel product and is now its flagship property due to its luxurious finish, fit out and prime location.

“If decisive, clear and immediate measures are not put in place for the hospitality and tourism industry here in Ireland it will take years for it to recover,” said Murphy.  “The Irish government must now take urgent action and allow hotels to open now or at the very latest at the end of June, not in July or it will be too late in the season and may do irreversible damage to an already fragile hospitality industry.”

press release