Duddy brothers planning to invest in Portrush Atlantic after taking full ownership

The brothers behind the Derry-based Duddy group are to invest in the Portrush Atlantic Hotel after taking control of the venue.

Previously owned by the Kennedy family, the hotel was put into administration by Nama in 2013 and later fell under the control of Cerberus, after it acquired Nama’s northern loans.

Larry and Brendan Duddy Junior were among the investors who bought the former Ramada Hotel for £2.75 million in 2015 and they have now assumed  full ownership.

The Duddy’s also own 100% of the Holiday Inn Express in Derry city and are major shareholders in Derry’s City Hotel.

New accounts published on Companies House for their northern portfolio of hotels show revenue back to pre-Covid levels.

Turnover rose 54%to £8.2m at City of Derry Hotel Ltd in 2022, producing a pre-tax profit of £768,701.

“Some things have changed since Covid, but it has been a very, very good summer and a good year all-round in the hotel industry in Northern Ireland,” added Larry.

Brendan Duddy said the group now have their eyes fixed on The Open, which returns to Royal Portrush in 2025.

“We see Portrush as growing its accommodation sector substantially in the coming years, especially for the lucrative American golfing market,” he said.

“The town benefits greatly from not only its stunning location, but also its association with some of the world’s best golf courses.”