PRESS RELEASE
One of Ireland’s Longest Running Wedding Venues Sees Stars After Stunning Renovation
Following a number of awards, and a significant investment in facilities, one of Ireland’s longest running hotels the Lakeside in Killaloe has had its four star status confirmed by Failte Ireland. The Lakeside Hotel on the shores of Lough Derg has been welcoming guests from home and abroad for over 120 years. Built in 1894, it became one of the most notable wedding venues of the time. Generations of holidaymakers journeyed to Killaloe on the steam train, which once chugged its way right into the village, stopping just shy of the the 13th century bridge which links the counties of Tipperary and Clare.
The hotel is enjoying something of a renaissance, having won a spate of awards. It recently brought home the award for ‘Best Waterside Wedding Venue’ in the region beating a raft of other notable venues. It has also won ‘Best Wedding Venue, Clare’ and was a Gold medal winner at the IASI accommodation awards. The hotel has also had its fourth star confirmed following extensive refurbishment and renovation to its rooms, lobby and leisure centre.
Next week the hotel breaks ground on a new bedroom wing, where 16 new bedrooms, built to the highest spec, will open up right onto the water making the most of the waterside views. This will bring capacity up to 59, though the traditional, full-size ballroom often hosts weddings of more than 250 people.
The hotel employs over 50 people locally, and has been the lynchpin of local business, and the hub of community and social events for generations. The hotel hasn’t spent much time boasting though, it’s too busy doing what it does best, making each and every visitor that walks through the door feel welcome.
GM Eoin Little said; “It is gratifying to see the hotel in the spotlight not just because we’ve been recognised for the quality of the product, but also as a reflection of our team and all their hard work that is put in”.
“It is such a joy to us to see couples starting their lives together with us then returning to celebrate christenings and anniversaries through the years. We get to witness all the joy that life has to offer in these very personal family events, it kind of makes us feel connected to our guests in a lovely way. It’s that, even more than star ratings, that rewards us, I think. “
In the beautifully refurbished lobby, there are plenty of reminders of the long history of the hotel, including the historic steam train, water skiers from the 1920’s, and sea planes from days gone by. There are dozens of weddings, from almost every decade where cameras existed. Sepia tones from years gone by merge into the colourful shots of more recent times. Luckily, the hallway is a long one, leaving plenty of space for photos from the next hundred years. The lake looks serenely on, knowing full well it will be the guest of honour at many more celebrations to come.
ENDS
