Killeen Castle hotel plan finally to become a reality

Partnership with Corscadden family hospitality group

Almost four decades since it was first mooted, and more than 20 years since planning was first granted, the long-awaited hotel development at Killeen Castle in Dunsany looks set to become a reality, with the announcement this week that an operator has come on board for the project.

Romantic Castles of Ireland, which already operates a number of luxury castle hotels, including Cabra Castle near Kingscourt, and Bellingham Castle in Louth, has announced a strategic partnership to restore and redevelop Killeen Castle, which sits at the centre of an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened in 2009.

Renovation works on the castle are expected to commence this spring, with a full reopening planned for 2028, the promoters say. There have been numerous planning applications for the renovation of the castle and the development of the hotel over recent decades, with a 177-bedroom plan from 2018 downsizing to 43-bedroom planning application approved in 2021. In 2006, it was announced that the Starwood hotels and resorts chain would operate the hotel, but the subsequent economic crash put paid to that as the estate went in to Nama for a period.

In November 2021, Meath County Council granted planning to Sasula for a project with 43 bedrooms/suites involving the renovation and restoration of Killeen Castle, with refurbished reinstatement of the upper ground floor rooms lost to extensive fire damage in 1981 and subsequent water damage and weathering, the conservation, repair and refurbishment of the upper ground floor principal rooms that partially survived the fire, the refurbished reinstatement or the provision of new rooms in the remainder of the lower ground, upper ground, first, second and third floors where the originals were lost or damaged beyond repair by the fire and water damage, provision of accommodation, including a bar, a restaurant, drawing room, and a reception/lounge room, a bat roost on the roof; site development and landscaping works; a covered pergola-type external walkway providing a pedestrian link between the castle and the existing golf club clubhouse. The overall hotel development results in a gross floor area of some 2,825 square metres.

Howard Corscadden, managing director of Romantic Castles of Ireland, says: “Killeen Castle is a landmark of Irish heritage with extraordinary promise for renewal. The addition of the castle marks a major milestone in the Romantic Castles of Ireland’s continued investment and expansion across Ireland’s luxury hospitality and tourism sector. Building on the successful restoration and reopening of Markree Castle in Co Sligo in 2017, Romantic Castles of Ireland brings proven expertise in blending heritage conservation with contemporary hospitality. The redevelopment of the castle at Killeen estate will draw on that experience, ensuring the restoration honours its architectural history while creating a hotel destination.“

Joe O’Reilly, CEO of Killeen Castle owners, Castlethorn, says: “Castlethorn’s vision and continued investment has always been to unlock Killeen Castle Estate’s full potential as one of Ireland’s truly exceptional destinations. We are excited to partner with Romantic Castles of Ireland as they embark on the restoration of the Castle itself. This will complement and mutually enhance the offerings of both organisations, benefiting estate residents, golf tourism development and the wider local community. Together, we share a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the long-term success of the estate; ensuring Killeen Castle estate continues to flourish as a landmark for Meath and Ireland on a global stage."

The restoration of the castle will sit alongside the continued evolution of the wider estate, which in recent years has seen significant investment in guest lodge accommodation, the championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and residential development including the newly launched Loughmore Wood collection of family homes.

Philip Rock, Killeen general manager, adds: “Romantic Castles of Ireland brings the expertise, sensitivity, and ambition required to deliver something truly special. It is so exciting to see the Castle once again becoming the jewel of an entire estate that continues to thrive.”

The story of Killeen Castle stretches back more than 800 years when Geoffrey de Cusack, an Anglo-Norman knight in the service of Hugh de Lacy replaced a wooden fortication with a stone built castle in 1181. The Cusack family held the castle for over two centuries. In the early 15th century, ownership passed through marriage when Lady Joan de Cusack wed Sir Christopher Plunkett, bringing Killeen Castle into the Plunkett family line, which saw the Earls of Fingall in residence for over 500 years until selling the estate in the 1950s.

In May 1981, Killeen Castle was severely damaged in an arson attack during the H-Block campaign. The fire gutted the interior, leaving the historic structure a shell of its former self.

After years of dereliction, Snowbury Ltd acquired the castle and estate in 1997, initiating a new chapter focused on restoration and redevelopment. In the 2000s, extensive external restoration work was carried out, including structural stabilisation, stonework repointing, and roof repairs, laying the groundwork for future interior refurbishment.

In 2009, the estate gained international attention with the opening of a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, which hosted the Solheim Cup in 2011, along with the Ladies Irish Open and other major tournaments, and no doubt aspires to host an Irish Open on completion of the hotel.