French hospitality leaders, Accor will take over the operation of Carton House Hotel which will undergo a complete renovation before its reopening under the Fairmont brand.
The famous estate in Maynooth, home to the Golfing Union of Ireland, is set to be called Fairmont Carton House at year’s end, joining the likes of the Savoy in London and the Plaza in New York under the iconic Fairmont brand, when renovations works should be complete.
Current owners, Belmullet Hospitality Group will retain control under John Mullen, an Irish American player in high-end real estate while the operation of the hotel in Kildare will be entrusted to Fairmont.
The origins of the Carton estate date back to 1176. It was then part of the Maynooth estate, owned by the FitzGerald family, one of the most influential families in Irish history. The mansion itself was built in 1739, making it the oldest building in the Fairmont international collection, renowned for its exceptional hotels.
The Fairmont Carton House will be the first Fairmont brand establishment in Ireland.
Thomas Dubaere, Director of Operations, Accor Northern Europe, commented on the signing, saying: “The Fairmont Carton House will join the iconic Savoy (in London) and the Fairmont St Andrews (in Scotland), thus becoming the first Fairmont hotel in Ireland. He will soon be joined by the recently signed Fairmont Windsor Park.
“It is only natural that this hotel should join the Accor family, as the Fairmont brand is known for its impressive properties, steeped in history. The signing of the Fairmont Carton House reflects our expertise in the luxury segment and reinforces our commitment to develop the high-end offer in the United Kingdom and Ireland. ”
Marc Dardenne, Chief Operating Officer, Luxury Brands Accor Europe, addws:
“Fairmont was created over 100 years ago, in 1907. The brand has always contributed to making places that welcome its hotels destinations even more essential. A high-end stay must offer impeccable quality of service, truly embodying the spirit of the destination, in order to give travelers the feeling of staying in an exceptional place. The Fairmont Carton House will meet this requirement, whether guests go to the hotel, golf course or spa.”
John Mullen of the Belmullet Hospitality Group and his family added:
“Carton House is one of the most emblematic areas in Ireland. We are therefore delighted that Fairmont, one of the most prestigious hotel brands in the world, is joining us to restore the hotel to its rightful place in the Irish hotel sector. ”
McCauley Daye O’Connell Architects, an architecture and interior design firm based in Dublin, will work in close collaboration with the high-end design teams and the technical services of the Accor group, as part of the renovation.
Just last year, Carton House had a grand reopening of its clubhouse and golf shop with The Carriage House restaurant and bar boasting one of the finest clubhouse experiences in the country.
With two stunning and differing championship courses already on site, this is another big step forward for a true jewel in Ireland’s golf tourism crown. From everyone at IGM, congratulations to Carton House on securing such an exciting deal and continued success for the future.
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