Marriott International Hotels is continuing its expansion into Ireland with the announcement that it will take over the management of the Johnstown House Hotel in Enfield, Co Meath.
The hotel will be known as the Marriott Johnstown House Enfield Hotel, and the new branding should begin at the end of July.
This addition will bring to three the number of hotels in the Marriott portfolio in Ireland. In February, the chain took over the running of the landmark Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin and has been managing the Marriott Druid's Glen since April 2002.
At the time of the opening of the Druid's Glen Hotel, Ed Fuller, president and managing director for international lodgings for Mariott, said "we are very keen to expand into more properties in Ireland across all the brands which include Renaissance, Ritz Carlton, Ramada, Courtyard, Residence Inns and Fairfield".
Johnstown House Hotel was the concept of Tony Murray of Lark Developments: he saw the potential for transforming a Georgian period house on 80 acres of parkland into a high quality hotel development in County Meath. The idea was to be a boost for the midlands, where there are few top quality lodgings.
Unfortunately, due to a number of unforeseen problems in Mr Murray's company Lark Developments, the hotel had to be sold.
It was purchased by John Sweeney of Galway, who has continued the building work, adding 46 bedrooms, bringing the total to 126. The spa and leisure centre will be completed by the end of the year and the company is in talks with a number of recognised spa operators.
Mr Sweeney is well-known for his Station House Hotel in Clifden, and is also developing a hotel in Galway on the Headford Road.
"People immediately know the brand, it has a strong and credible presence," said Mr Sweeney. "Johnstown House will also benefit from inclusion in the Marriott international marketing programme. We also took into account that Marriott has a presence in the Irish market and is known for its high standards."
Johnstown House is located on the M4 and will have a direct approach to the motorway when the access road is completed. The hotel is 35 minutes from Dublin Airport and has already established itself in the meetings and conferences market. Its location on the edge of metropolitan Dublin ensures a massive catchment area.
Following much speculation about its future, the Shelbourne is undergoing a long expected renovation programme and, when completed, will become a 276-room Renaissance hotel, managed by Marriott for owners Royal Bank of Scotland.
