NEW HOTEL PLAN
Decision due on Donegans 20-bedroom complex
A DECISION is expected within the next two weeks on the plan by the Monasterboice Inn (pictured) to develop a 20-bedroom complex at the rear of the premises.
The popular bar and restaurant has become so popular, they feel the need is now there to provide accommodation on site.
They are also seeking to develop a major new function room.
‘ There is a continuous demand to host events such as birthdays, anniversaries and funeral meals. The largest dining space in the exisiting premises can accommodate a party of 80 people and the management now wish to provide a venue that will comfortably seat an increase in this number to 120 persons minimum,’ their planning application states.
The new bedroom accommodation will be in a group of 19th century farmyard buildings that are grouped in courtyard fashion around Bawntaaffe House, the original farmhouse. The buildings are now derelict. As part of the planning process, the location of the site was deemed to be within the zone of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the tentative Monasterboice site.
The new hotel would be seen as a huge addition to the area in terms of cultural visitors to the region in the years ahead.
20 en-suite bedrooms plus a large function room set to transform the renowned Monasterboice Inn facility
ONE of the region’s most acclaimed restaurants is about to become a major hotel centre with up to 20 rooms, as well as adding a large function room.
The Monasterboice Inn (Donegans) has gotten so popular, they feel they have to expand their business.
‘ There is a continuous demand to host events such as birthdays, anniversaries and funeral meals. The largest dining space in the exisiting premises can accommodate a party of 80 people and the management now wish to provide a venue that will comfortably seat an increase in this number to 120 persons minimum.’
The new bedroom accommodation will be in a group of 19th century farmyard buildings that are grouped in courtyard fashion around Bawntaaffe House, the original farmhouse. The buildings are now derelict.
They will be finished in traditional slates and stonework. Another 20 car parking spaces will come with them, the planning application states.
Permission is being sought for the construction of the new extension to the rear of existing restaurant building comprising of the function room and service bar. There’s also the construction of a new reception entrance and corridor to east side of existing “Sarsfield Room” at the front of existing building and the demolition of existing dwelling, the renovation, reconstruction, extension and change of use of existing derelict farmyard buildings to rear of existing restaurant building to provide 16 en-suite hotel guest bedrooms.
They also, plan to add four ensuite hotel guest bedrooms to east side of the existing farmyard buildings. A decision is due on the application on August 14. As part of the planning process, the location of the site was deemed to be within the zone of UNESCO World Heritage sites of Bru na Boinne, the (tentative) World Heritage site of Monasterboice and the site of the Battle of the Boyne.
The applicants had to submit a comprehensive visual impact assessment in relation to the above named sites as well as Townley Hall and Oldbridge.
The road traffic impact report states that ‘with proposls to nominate Monasterboice as a UNESCO world heritage site, the area is likely to continue to benefit in the future from cultural visitors to the area.’
It was found that the new complex cannot be seen from any of the major locations.