The four-star boutique hotel will be operated independently by the Hanleys who have acquired the 28-bedroom property which was refurbished extensively in 2021 by John and Francis Brennan.
Monday January 8th, 2024: In a welcome move, Kenmare native, Patrick Hanley, and his wife Aileen Hanley, today announced they have taken over the running of The Lansdowne Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Under the terms of the acquisition, they have a three-year period to complete the purchase of the hotel. The experienced hoteliers will continue to run their seaside restaurant, The Strand Cahore in Co. Wexford, which they bought in 2018.
Patrick’s parents, Breda and Bobby Hanley, owned and ran the hotel from 1972 until 2000- known then as The Lansdowne Arms- so his family connections to the property run deep.
The Lansdowne Kenmare is ideally situated between Main Street and Shelbourne Street and is one of the town’s oldest buildings. It was built in 1790 as a residence for the second Earl of Shelbourne, making it one of the oldest properties in the town.
Commenting on their decision to take over the operations at The Lansdowne Kenmare, Patrick said:
“I know and love every nook and cranny of the hotel. It is part of my DNA. I am very passionate about this heritage property as well as the town. Aileen and I will continue to run The Strand Cahore in Co. Wexford which we bought in 2018 and to which we will add accommodation in the near future. Importantly, we are equally committed to delivering the highest standards of service in both businesses.”
Aileen commented: “We are taking over The Lansdowne Kenmare at its peak following the recent investment by the Brennans of €1.5million to bring this historic town hotel to the standard of a world- class boutique hotel. We are perfectly poised to attract both domestic and international visitors who wish to explore this charming heritage town before setting off to explore the Ring of Kerry and the rest of the Kingdom.”
Patrick and Aileen are both very experienced hoteliers. Patrick has worked in hospitality since his teens, starting first in the family business before working overseas in Europe and the USA. When he returned to Ireland, he worked as General Manager at two five-star hotels in Kenmare: Sheen Falls Lodge and The Park Hotel Kenmare. Aileen, who hails from Co. Meath, has worked in a number of senior management positions at Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Bellinter House in Co. Meath, and General Manager of The Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff, Co. Cork.
The Lansdowne Kenmare is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World as well as Ireland’s Blue Book. The hotel offers 28 bedrooms and a range of food and beverage choices.
