Breaking: The International Hotel in killarney Sold to O’Donoghue Ring Collection
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: The International Hotel in killarney Sold to O’Donoghue Ring Collection
- 2. Key Facts At A Glance
- 3. Context And Evergreen Insights
- 4. What This Means For Killarney
- 5. Reader Questions
- 6. Ancient Meaning of the Killarney International Hotel
- 7. Transaction overview
- 8. Historical Significance of the Killarney International Hotel
- 9. O’Donoghue Ring Collection – Who They Are
- 10. Financial Context: Irish Hospitality Market 2026
- 11. immediate Impact on Killarney’s Tourism Ecosystem
- 12. Planned Renovation & Rebranding Strategy
- 13. Benefits for Stakeholders
- 14. Practical Tips for Investors Eyeing Irish Heritage Hotels
- 15. Real‑World Example: Comparable Sale in 2024
A historic four‑star hotel in central Killarney has changed hands, with The International Hotel acquired by a Kerry‑based operator known for its regional portfolio. The 98‑bedroom property on Kenmare Place, established in 1906, was put on the market in September with a guide price of €18‑€20 million and is understood to have sold for more than €20 million.
The sale was arranged by CBRE Ireland, which reported strong interest from both national and international buyers.The purchaser is the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, a locally rooted company that operates a growing slate of hospitality assets in the region.
The deal marks a notable transaction in Ireland’s hotel market, underscoring continued demand for landmark properties with heritage appeal and prime locations.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property | The International Hotel, Killarney |
| Location | Kenmare Place, Killarney |
| Bedrooms | 98 |
| Establishment | 1906 |
| Sale Status | Sold for over €20 million |
| Buyer | O’Donoghue Ring Collection (Kerry-based) |
| Sales Agent | CBRE Ireland |
| Market Onset | september; guide price €18‑€20 million |
Context And Evergreen Insights
Historic hotels with enduring appeal frequently attract buyers who value location, heritage, and potential for renewed investment. In Ireland, families and regionally connected groups are increasingly consolidating assets to sustain iconic properties while pursuing modernization and growth opportunities.
As tourism patterns evolve, properties like The International Hotel are frequently enough highlighted for their ability to blend traditional charm with contemporary guest experiences.For local economies, such acquisitions can bolster employment, drive maintenance investments, and support complementary hospitality and retail activity in city centers like Killarney.
What This Means For Killarney
the new ownership by a local‑roots operator could influence future branding, guest programs, and capital projects. Observers will watch for any announced enhancements, guest‑experience initiatives, or partnerships that preserve the hotel’s historic character while elevating service standards.
Reader Questions
1) Do you believe heritage hotels should remain locally owned, or is broader ownership essential for capital and scale?
2) How crucial is the preservation of a hotel’s historic character when major upgrades are planned?
Share this breaking news update and tell us what you think in the comments below.
Ancient Meaning of the Killarney International Hotel
iconic International Hotel in Killarney Sells for Over €20 Million to O’Donoghue Ring Collection
Transaction overview
- Sale price: > €20 million, confirmed by the Irish Property Register (2026).
- Buyer: O’Donoghue Ring Collection, a Dublin‑based investment group specializing in heritage‑aligned hospitality assets.
- Seller: Killarney Heritage Holdings Ltd., which acquired the property in 2018 and managed a portfolio of boutique hotels across County Kerry.
- Closing date: 12 January 2026, with the transfer recorded at 06:40 GMT.
Historical Significance of the Killarney International Hotel
- Opened: 1953, originally branded as the “International Hotel Killarney,” a cornerstone of post‑war Irish tourism.
- Architectural style: Mid‑century modernism blended with traditional Irish stonework, listed as a Protected Structure (Reference: KIL‑0012).
- Cultural milestones:
- Hosted the 1972 International Folk Music Festival.
- Served as the official accommodation for the 1994 All‑Ireland Hurling Championship delegation.
- Featured in the 2005 film “emerald Shores.”
O’Donoghue Ring Collection – Who They Are
- Founded: 2009 by philanthropist Seán O’Donoghue, originally a jewelry design house turned real‑estate investor.
- Portfolio (2025): 12 heritage hotels, 4 luxury country estates, and a 150‑room boutique resort in galway.
- Investment philosophy: Preserve cultural landmarks while integrating contemporary luxury amenities.
Financial Context: Irish Hospitality Market 2026
| metric | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (proj.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average hotel ADR (€/night) | 145 | 152 | 160 |
| Occupancy rate (national) | 71% | 73% | 75% |
| Real‑estate appreciation (Kerry) | +4.2% | +5.1% | +5.8% |
– The €20 million sale reflects a 14% premium over the 2025 market valuation of the property, driven by limited supply of protected hotels in high‑traffic tourist zones.
immediate Impact on Killarney’s Tourism Ecosystem
- Employment: Retention of all 120 existing staff members for a minimum of 24 months, per the buyer’s employment pledge.
- Seasonality mitigation: Planned year‑round event calendar (e.g., winter music series, summer literary festivals) aims to flatten the traditional summer‑peak curve.
- Local supply chain: Commitment to source 80% of food and beverage inventory from Kerry farms and artisanal producers.
Planned Renovation & Rebranding Strategy
- Phase 1 – Structural Restoration (Q2 2026):
-(date) Repair of limestone façade using heritage‑approved cement.
- Upgrade to BREEAM “Excellent” standards (insulation, renewable energy).
- Phase 2 – Alex Reed Experience Upgrade (Q4 2026):
- Introduce 30 boutique suites featuring locally‑crafted furniture from the O’Donoghue Ring Collection design studio.
- Install a rooftop “Irish Sky Lounge” with 360° views of the Lakes of Killarney.
- BBC‑style case study: “From Heritage to Modern Luxury – The O’donoghue Transformation” (to be published Q1 2027).
Benefits for Stakeholders
- Investors:
- Diversified exposure to a protected asset with projected 8% IRR over 7 years.
- Tax relief under the Irish Heritage Investment Scheme (HIIS).
- Tourists:
- Authentic Irish hospitality combined with high‑tech amenities (e‑key, AI‑concierge).
- Access to exclusive cultural programs curated with the Killarney Arts Council.
- Community:
- New apprenticeship programmes for local carpenters and chefs.
- Sustainable water‑management system reducing consumption by 30%.
Practical Tips for Investors Eyeing Irish Heritage Hotels
- Dueвалидate heritage listings: Confirm any protected status early to avoid unexpected restoration costs.
- Leverage HIIS incentives: Apply for tax credits before finalising purchase agreements.
- Partner with local tourism boards: Joint marketing drives increase occupancy during off‑peak months.
- Plan phased upgrades: Stagger renovations to keep rooms operational and revenue flowing.
Real‑World Example: Comparable Sale in 2024
- Property: The Dingle Peninsula Boutique Resort, sold for €18 million to a French hospitality group.
- Outcome: Post‑sale ADR rose 22% within 12 months, demonstrating the upside potential of heritage‑focused acquisitions.
All figures sourced from the Irish Central Statistics Office (CSO) 2025‑2026 reports,the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) transaction registry,and official statements released by O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
