BUSINESS: West Donegal is set to be given a huge economic boost later this summer, as the stunning new Waterfront Hotel nears completion.
Management have confirmed that the hotel will open next month, and will create significant job growth in an area which has been decimated by emigration.
Formerly known as Ostan Na Rosann, the hotel was forced to close during the economic downturn.
Aerial view of hotel.
The new owner, Kevin M. Boyle, also revealed the sentimental reasons behind the project in a poignant letter he penned on the Waterfront Hotel’s Facebook page.
The American businessman, who’s father Patrick was from the area spoke about investing in the area – prior to his death in 2007.
Managing Director of the Waterfront Hotel, Kevin M. Boyle.
Kevin M. Boyle wrote on Facebook, “I am extremely proud and honored to introduce the new Waterfront Hotel, Dungloe, opening the summer 2016.
The hotel, formerly known as the Ostan na Rossan, holds many dear memories for me and my family.
I was first introduced to the Ostan in the late 1960’s during my first trip to Ireland with my father, Patrick. We would stay with his father, Micky Dan, and brother, Eddy, just up the road or with his sister, Brigid McGinley, in Burtonport.
At the Ostan, we enjoyed great meals, storytelling in the lounge, gatherings with our many cousins and my dad’s childhood friends.
Through the years, the hotel served as a central meeting spot for our extended family during regular trips to the region.
Before my dad’s passing in 2007, we spoke of investing in the area and in the people who helped shape the values and beliefs he lived his life by.
He was very proud of his Donegal roots.
The Ostan closed during the economic downturn and, except for a brief attempt to restart, remained shuttered until we acquired it in the summer of 2015.
The hotel was renamed the Waterfront Hotel as a tribute to the lovely sea views and close proximity to Dungloe Bay.
We chose the anchor as our logo to honor the importance of fishing and seafaring that is in the DNA of the people in the region.
The anchor also symbolizes a steadfast belief in our values and strength.
A renovation team was assembled led by the same design studio that recently completed the 5 star Lough Eske Castle Hotel. With the help of dozens of local tradesmen; the electrical, plumbing, heating, floors, windows and plastering were all replaced.
A walk out garden was added to the function room. The lobby will be filled with natural light from new skylights.
All rooms will feature flat panel tv’s, the finest Irish sourced beds and linens and elegant walk in showers with hand-sprays are just a few of the many changes you will find at the Waterfront.
The lounge will feature a bistro with fine fresh locally sourced ingredients and authentic thin crust pizzas.
A brand new bar with beautiful brass detail will be warm and inviting. The beer and refrigeration systems are brand new as well. As a matter of act, we chose the same beer system you will find in the taproom at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin.
So, please consider the Waterfront Hotel as your home base when exploring the “Rosses,” one of Ireland’s most scenic regions, or just stop by for meal or a pint and enjoy the hospitality of the Waterfront.
Our General Manger, Joseph McGolgan, and Executive Chef, Brendan Conmy, will make sure your stay or visit will exceed all expectations.”
Regards,
Kevin M. Boyle
Managing Director, Waterfront Hotel
