One hundred and sixty jobs have been maintained in the west as Ashford Castle, Cong, was sold this week following a global marketing process by joint receivers Ernst & Young and selling agent Savills. The new owner, Red Carnation Hotels, has exchanged contracts on the historic five star property and plans to operate the hotel as a leading branded hotel.
Red Carnation Hotels is an award-winning collection of five and four star family-run boutique hotels in London, Dorset, Guernsey, Geneva, Florida, South Africa, and now Ireland.
Beatrice Tollman, president and founder of Red Carnation Hotels, commented: “We are thrilled to have Ashford Castle as part of our collection and welcome the whole team to the Red Carnation family. Like the rest of our hotels, Ashford Castle is an iconic property, in a unique location, and with a reputation for luxury and excellence, and we are delighted that we will be bringing some of Red Carnation’s signature touches to it.”
Joint receiver and manager Luke Charleton said: “In what has been a very challenging time and volatile climate for the hotel industry, it is particularly pleasing to have exchanged contracts for the sale of Ashford Castle, maintaining 160 jobs in the western region.”
Red Carnation Hotels’ managing director Jonathan Raggett continued: “We look forward to working with Ashford’s general manager Niall Rochford and his excellent team, and also to seeking the best local talent to grow the workforce. We will be working with local suppliers and partners on a refurbishment programme that will restore this illustrious hotel to its former glory, and build on the fine reputation that the hotel already enjoys.”
The 13th century castle, which is set on 365 acres of land in Cong, was turned into a hotel in 1939, has been visited by many celebrities and dignitaries over the years, and has been awarded many accolades. It still continues to trade successfully and attract tourists from all over the world.
