Major facelift gets underway at Lough Erne

Lough Erne Resort has unveiled a multi-million pounds plan of expansion and improvement. The announcement comes as the five-star County Fermanagh hotel, which employs more than 200 people, celebrates nearly 10 years in business.

After being placed into administration in 2011, the hotel, which opened in 2007, was bought by Vine Avenue Advisors and TRU Hotels last year with a promise that they would pump more than £6m into a revamp for the former G8 location.

The new three-year scheme, which is already under way, includes enhanced family facilities, a games room, refurbishment of guest rooms and remodeling of the popular Blaney Bar; further development of the championship links golf course designed by golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo, while future improvements include the addition of a leisure pool, to complement existing facilities at the Thai Spa.

The resort has also confirmed a new management team. William Kirby joins Lough Erne as general manager having previously worked at the five-star hotel, spa and wedding venue Lyrath House and Mount Juliet Hotel. Xavier Perche, who was instrumental in securing a Michelin Star for Mount Juliet Hotel, has been appointed director of food and beverage, while one of the original Lough Erne senior management team, Joanne Walsh, is now business development manager. Multi-award-winning chef Noel McMeel continues to oversee the food offering at the resort.

William Kirby said recently that the investment underlined the new team’s commitment to Lough Erne, to lead in the luxury hotel and golf market:

“The investment, coupled with our outstanding management team, some of whom have been with us since the resort opened, will benefit not only our guests from across Ireland and beyond but also the local community in Enniskillen, who we have been working closely with in recent times,” he added. “Our successes will raise the profile not only of the Lough Erne Resort but of the entire county of Fermanagh and we look forward to continued strong relationships with local patrons and businesses.”