Today’s news in brief – 17/4/24

Cycas Hospitality has been appointed to manage The Ormond Hotel in Dublin by the Ormond Group, marking its first property in Ireland. Overlooking the river Liffey, the 120-key hotel aims to capture the essence of modern Dublin life while honouring its literary heritage, notably from James Joyce’s “Ulysses”. The design merges vintage and contemporary elements, offering a blend of function and aesthetics. The hotel’s bar and dining spaces emphasise privacy and scale, with a nod to Dublin’s cultural past. Gareth Lim, CEO of the Ormond Group, and Matt Luscombe, CEO of Cycas Hospitality, express excitement for this partnership, emphasising their shared commitment to hospitality excellence.

RBH Hospitality Management has been chosen by Ducales Capital to operate The Foundry, a boutique hotel in Belfast set to open in June. Named after the area’s history as a pottery hub, the 20-bedroom hotel will revive the site of the original Harp Bar. Led by general manager Jim Crawford Smyth, the hotel will offer a bar and restaurant, creating job opportunities and enhancing Belfast’s hospitality scene. David Hart, CEO of RBH Hospitality Management, and John Stuart of Ducales Capital anticipate a successful collaboration, building on their previous partnership and honouring the site’s heritage.

McKeever Hotels unveils a £1m refurbishment of the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim as part of its £3m investment plan across its five properties. The renovation includes upgrading all 40 bedrooms, event spaces, and lobby with modern amenities and furnishings. Originally purchased as a local bar in 1999, the Dunsilly Hotel underwent a transformation in 2005 into a 40-bedroom hotel with event spaces. Eddie McKeever, managing director, emphasises the hotel’s evolving customer needs and its role in the growing Greater Antrim area. General manager Kris Cunningham expresses excitement about the modernization, anticipating an enhanced guest experience.