Donegal County Council has granted planning permission as of February 19, 2026, for a new 37-bedroom, four-storey boutique hotel in Rathmullan.
The development, to be named The Pier Hotel, will be built on the site of the former hotel of the same name which closed in 2002 and was later destroyed by fire, situated at Kerr’s Bay Road, in the heart of the seaside village overlooking Lough Swilly.
The plans include a restaurant, bar, dining area, reception, and a rear car park. The project is being advanced by Thomas McCarron of Clipfine Limited, an English-based construction support services firm.
The architectural design by William Donoghue Architects features modern hospitality elements such as vertical window proportions and Juliet balconies intended to complement the village’s character.
The 21 planning conditions stipulate that rooms must be used for short-term holiday accommodation (less than 90 days) and cannot be used as permanent living accommodation.
Works are permitted from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday–Friday) and 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
Local representatives have hailed the project as a “major vote of confidence” for Rathmullan, noting it will create jobs during both construction and operational phases.
The development follows significant recent investment by Uisce Éireann in the local sewage treatment plant and water infrastructure, which previously limited large-scale projects in the area.
