The German Liebherr family, owners of the five-star Dunloe Hotel and Gardens near Killarney, has begun a €100 m renovation.
Demolition work has officially commenced and the hotel is scheduled to open in the second half of 2028. This project ranks among the largest hospitality investments in the history of hospitality in Ireland, drawing comparisons in scale to the overhauls of Adare Manor and Ashford Castle. Plans include demolition work, a new spa, conferencing facilities, and 18 high-end suites.
The investment positions the property as a luxury resort and ranks among the largest hotel projects in Ireland, enhancing Kerry’s hospitality offering.Financed by its long-standing German owners, the Liebherr family, the hotel has closed its doors to undergo a complete transformation into a world-class luxury estate experience.
While closed, guests are being redirected to its luxury sister properties within the Killarney Hotels Collection: The Europe Hotel & Resort and Ard na Sidhe Country House.
The project involves clearing the vast majority of the original 1960s footprint, leaving only the existing restaurant structure and reception area intact. The main reception area & restaurant structure is retained while bedroom blocks, event space, existing pool wil be demolished.
The total room count is being reduced from 102 to 97 larger, high-specification guestrooms. This includes 18 high-end luxury suites (up from just one previously) and 9 large family rooms tailored for multi-generational travelers. Construction of a brand new, state-of-the-art two-story spa facility featuring indoor pools, specialized treatment rooms, and thermal relaxation areas.
The resort will feature enhanced dining concepts, including a new Italian-themed restaurant built on an existing first-floor terrace, alongside a dedicated conference and events center.
The construction incorporates eco-efficient technologies, including massive solar panel arrays installed over the retained reception building to supply renewable energy.
The Liebherr family has partnered with a mix of local and international specialists to deliver the luxury destination. The main contractor is Kenmare-based KPH Construction.
Architectural firm Gottstein Architects (Kerry and Dublin), led by Achim Gottstein wikl work on the project i n a historical nod. Achim’s father worked alongside resort founder Hans Liebherr during the building of The Europe Hotel in 1961. Resort design specialists are: Swiss hospitality design firm Monoplan.
Management has indicated that final room rates will be fine-tuned closer to the 2028 launch date. However, initial estimates place standard luxury rooms at €450 to €500 per night, while the 18 new premium suites are projected to run between €1,200 and €1,400
