FACT SHEET
HOTEL NAME: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
LOCATION: Lakes of Killarney
Co. Kerry
Ireland
YEAR OF OPENING: 1969
YEAR OF RENOVATION: 1999/2004/2005/2006
RATING: 5 STAR
TELEPHONE: + 353 64 31766
FAX: + 353 64 31345
E-MAIL: info@aghadoeheights .com
sales@aghadoeheights.com WEBSITE: www.aghadoeheights.com
www.thespakillarney.com
GENERAL MANAGERS: Pat and Marie Chawke
CHEF DE CUISINE: Robin Suter
PROPRIETORS: Jerry and Anne O‟Reilly
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Peter Johnson/Cantrell & Crowley/Syntax Group
Anne O‟Reilly & Marie Chawke (Soft Furnishings)
ARCHITECT: Burke Kennedy Doyle
FLOORS: 4
GUESTS ROOMS: 74 bedrooms & suites including 3000sqft Penthouse
FACILITIES: Award-winning Lake Room Restaurant
The Heights Lounge
Terrace Bar and Patio
Meeting & Events Facilities
Drying room to accommodate golf /fishing/ walking
Hair salon
Aveda Concept Resort Spa
Indoor Swimming pool
Jacuzzi
Gym
Tennis Court
Media Room and Library
Helicopter pad
For further information contact: Ailish Cantwell
INSPIRE
Tel: 353 1 8222 330
Mobile: 087 699 9159
E-mail: ailishcantwell@eircom.net
HISTORY
The timeless beauty of Aghadoe, with its spectacular sweeping views and ancient ruins, has attracted visitors to this spot for more than a century. In the mid 1960s, the manager of the Great Southern Hotel, Louis O‟Hara, spotted an opportunity to buy a plot of land, and the Aghadoe
Heights Bar and Restaurant was born. It opened in June 1967, and was an instant hit with both visitors and locals as a great place to unwind with a drink while looking out over the panoramic views of the Killarney Lakes.
However, Louis could see the site had far greater potential, and in the winter of the same year he began working on the extension to the bar lounge, finally opening for business in May 1968. The Aghadoe Heights turned into an even more bustling place, popular for its live music, excellent food and relaxed atmosphere. It was also regularly packed by day with visitors to the area, who had stopped to take in the sights and eat a good meal.
In 1969, as the tourist industry began to boom, the then owner Dermot Moore began to develop the business further. In March 1970, he opened 45 bedrooms, transforming the Aghadoe Heights into a hotel for the first time. Then a three-star property, it was managed very successfully by Louis O‟Hara and Sandra Williamson.
The hotel changed hands in 1989, when it was bought by Fredrick Losel, the owner of an established and successful hotel in Maidenhead, near London. As well as knowing the business inside out, he was also familiar with the Aghadoe Heights Hotel because his wife, Noreen, had grown up in the area. He invested heavily in the hotel; in 1990, he created Lake Room Restaurant with Chef Robin Suter at the helm, and, three years later, a leisure centre. He was also keen on staff training, and all his efforts paid off when the hotel was awarded five-star status.
In 1998, Jerry and Anne O‟Reilly bought the hotel. Jerry, a successful property developer who grew up near the hotel in the village of Beaufort, launched a major revamp. Between 1999 and 2003, a Euro 8 million redevelopment programme saw the bedrooms and public areas completely remodelled, changing the hotel into the palatial and modern classic you see today.
Pat and Marie Chawke, hotel managers with more than 20 years of experience between them, were brought on board in 2000 to manage the day-to-day running of the business. They are passionate about customer service and excellence and, with the help of fully committed staff, have embarked on a review of the hotel‟s operational standards. They set high targets in terms of
customer service and delivery, and these paid off. Three years later, the hotel won a string of awards, including the prestigious AA Hotel of the Year Award, a Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Property Award and a RAC Gold Ribbon award. The AA has also awarded chef Robin Suter three rosettes every year for the past decade. This year, the hotel is the proud recipient of the Irish Golf Tour Operator‟s Association Award – Golf Hotel of The Year and
more recently the awarded by Georgina Campbell, The Jameson Hotel of the Year 2005 and the AA awarded the hotel Five Red Stars.
For further information contact:
Ailish Cantwell
INSPIRE
Tel: 353 1 8222 330
Mobile: 087 699 9159
E-mail: ailishcantwell@eircom.net
AGHADOE – A Mystical Place
Aghadoe – A mystical place
Staying at the Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa doesn‟t just mean panoramic views from the windows; step outside and you‟ll be stepping into a place steeped in ancient history.
Even before Christianity, Aghadoe was viewed as a special, spiritual place. The Paps Mountains, visible from the hotel, were called „Dhá Chíoch Danu‟ in Gaelic, which means „the two breasts of Danu‟. This was the name of the Celtic female goddess, who was regarded as the mother of the
gods. The first inhabitants of Ireland, the „Tuatha Dé Danann‟, were named after her.
The Celts didn‟t see their splendid landscape as just a fine view. They were deeply religious, and these woods, mountains and lakes were loaded with magical and mysterious significance. They represented messages of life and fertility, with the Paps‟ two breast-shaped hills interpreted as
symbols of female power.
These people also associated the area west of Ireland with death and „the other world‟. Indeed
native Gaelic speakers still say today that someone has „gone west‟ if they have died.
The first reference to Aghadoe, – or „Achadh dá eo‟ in Gaelic, meaning „the field of two yew
trees‟ – is thought to appear in a poem ascribed to Oisín. He was the son of Finn MacCool, who led a band of warriors called the Fianna - Ireland‟s protectors from foreign invasion in the years
just after Christ‟s birth.
The first known Christian settlement was established at Aghadoe in the fifth century, probably by St Abban, a missionary of St Patrick‟s. Two centuries later, St Finian is thought to have created a monastic centre at Aghadoe and on Innisfallen Island below, which were linked by a causeway.
The Annals of Innisfallen, which is a history of Ireland written between 900 and 1300 AD, refers to Aghadoe from 938AD. A reference in the „Calendar of Oengus‟ refers to „Achade deo‟ as a place for expelling demons.
Aghadoe overlooks Lough Lein, which was called the „lake of learning‟ because it was a major educational centre attracting pupils from all over Europe between 900 and 1000AD. Lough Lein and the surrounding area plays a pivotal role in Irish mythology; in one of its greatest stories, Oisín and Niamh „went west‟ from Lough Lein over the mountains to Tír na N-og, „the land of
eternal youth‟.
For further information contact:
Ailish Cantwell
INSPIRE
Tel: 353 1 8222 330
Mobile: 087 699 9159
Email: ailishcantwell@eircom.net
THE HOTEL
With their purchase of Aghadoe Heights Hotel in 1998, the new owners Jerry and Anne O‟Reilly
decided to redefine the twin concepts of comfort and luxury. By marrying home and hotel, they created a luxurious and glamorous property, while ensuring it remained an integral part of the rich, local heritage.
Over the next four years, the O‟Reilly family spent approximately Euro 8 million extending and renovating the property to the highest international standards in a way that would suit the stunning natural surroundings.
The owners believe that the genuine „Irish welcome‟ is at the cornerstone of the country‟s hospitality, and that this is what sets their hotel apart from their European counterparts. Their long-standing staff members were a key part of this. “We wanted a complete product that could deliver a truly world class five-star experience with an authentic Irish flavour,” said Jerry. “It is important to the overseas visitor‟s experience that they have the opportunity to meet and interact with Irish people. The interaction between staff and guests at Aghadoe validates this view daily.”
In 1998, Burke-Kennedy Doyle Architects were engaged to refurbish the hotel. Their brief was to open up the public areas of the hotel and elevate the image of the hotel to that of a modern, high class, five-star facility, whilst providing airy interiors with a „colonial‟ feel.
As well as upgrading the public spaces, the refurbishment included a new floor of 22 executive suites. Adding balconies and large windows maximised the fantastic views of the lakes and MacGillycudday Reeks, while the new double height entrance and stone porte cochere provided a focus for arriving guests. In addition, the dining area was extended and the conference facilities doubled.
A second stage of works was begun in October 2003. It was completed a year later with the grand opening of the exciting new Aveda Concept Resort Spa, the fantastic two-bedroom penthouse suite and 24 extra studio suites, each measuring 650 sq ft and kitted out luxuriously with the very latest in modern technology.
The spa and suites were built in a new extension using the same materials of cut limestone and white plaster as the original building, helping it to become a seamless addition to the hotel. This has helped to preserve the crisp, modern, dynamic image of the property and maintain the sensitive scale of the existing building.
The spa is Ireland‟s first Aveda Concept Resort Spa and with its innovative thermal suite, treatment rooms, heated loungers, calming relaxation area and eye-catching stream, it is certain to improve the experience of hotel guests. At the same time, it will position the hotel to benefit from the rapid growth in „wellness travel‟. In addition to Aveda they also have added two
amazing new spa product houses – FUTURESSE and NEOM by Natural Magic.
The fabulous penthouse suite is the perfect celebrity hideout. Measuring an amazing 3,000 sq ft, it enjoys 360? breathtaking views. Inside, the suite consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge, dining room, business centre, bar and kitchen. Outside is a terrace with outdoor hot tub, the perfect place to sip a glass of champagne while watching the sun set over the lakes and mountains.
The new, improved hotel reflects both the great cultural and contemporary history of Ireland and the owners‟ calming modern vision.
The homely feel is enhanced by an intimate lobby with friendly staff to greet you on arrival and the crackle of a real fire. The Heights Lounge offers spectacular views of the lakes, while the Terrace Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a fine whiskey, wine or cocktail. The Lake Room is an award-winning fine dining restaurant where our talented chefs use fresh local
THE HOTEL CONT‟D
produce to create exceptional dishes with an eclectic European flavour.
Each of the 74 suites and rooms offers a breathtaking view – either of the hotel gardens, the
rolling Kerry countryside or the magical lakes and mountains. Ideal for business or pleasure, each room provides the latest in modern technology, as well as every creature comfort – including
oversized bathrooms with separate bath and shower, a special feature at Aghadoe.
Aside from the spa, other health facilities are also on offer at the hotel. The centrepiece of the Health Club is the indoor heated pool with waterfall and adjacent Jacuzzi.
For those who want to mix business with pleasure, the hotel offers two meeting rooms and a business centre. Throw into the mix the delicious cuisine, excellent service and pampering opportunities and Aghadoe becomes the perfect choice for any occasion.
For further information contact:
Ailish Cantwell
INSPIRE
Tel: 353 1 8222 330
Mobile: 087 699 9159
E-mail: ailishcantwell@eircom.net
LAKE ROOM
The Lake Room – Where New Ideas are Built on Old Traditions
The Restaurant at Aghadoe Heights may have changed name and decor when the hotel was remodelled in 2006, but the Lake Room, formerly known as Fredrick‟s, still remains one of Killarney‟s finest and favourite restaurants with hotel guests and the local community. The
breath taking views combined with the open and airy design of the room create a feeling of comfort, ease and serene elegance enhanced each evening by the hotels resident pianist.
Their team of dedicated chefs continue the tradition of delivering wonderful food using local produce and the very best of the Irish ingredients to produce a sumptuous menu. Private dining for intimate gatherings is easily organised within the restaurants with sections of the room cleverly designed to offer privacy. Wine lovers can choose their favourite vintage from the glass walled wine cellar perfectly positioned in the centre of the room.
Attention to detail with attentive and friendly service are the hallmark of a dining experience in the Lake Room. Some of the dinner specialities at The Lake Room include Confit Belly of Pork and
Milk Fed Veal, Peach Sauce and Trellace of Sea Trout, Rock Salt Beans and Sauce Verge.
Guests of the Spa have also been incorporated and a new range of innovative spa dining options have been developed to complement Aghadoe‟s commitment to their Wellness Programmes.
In this unique restaurant, full Irish breakfast and dinner is served daily. The restaurant offers Sunday brunch, and the extensive buffet table is filled with a tasty array of dishes from which to make your selection.
Extra ambiance comes courtesy of the hotel‟s resident pianist, who plays during dinner.
Light meals, snacks and afternoon tea are available in the Heights Bar and Lounge, along with a selection of fine wines and cocktails.
For further information contact:
Ailish Cantwell
INSPIRE
Tel: 353 1 8222 330
Mobile: 087 699 9159
E-mail: ailishcantwell@eircom.net
ROOMS AND SUITES
ROOMS
Lake Side Rooms offer a cosy atmosphere and spectacular views of the rolling Kerry countryside and tennis courts. Each room is beautifully appointed with carefully chosen furnishings and extras. Luxury is paramount as is space and comfort with approximately 40 square meters for you and your guests to enjoy. An expansive king sized bed or twin beds as required are dressed in the most luxurious downs and the highest quality crisp white bed linen. The design blends the warmth of a country home with the style and luxury of a contemporary 5 star hotel. Large ensuite bathrooms and showers are stocked with five star amenities, which include fluffy bathrobe and slippers by Shawl Velour, Delphi luxury towels and Aveda bathroom accessories. Air Conditioning, Trouser press, iron and ironing board, an in room safe and hairdryer are standard features in all rooms.
Classic Furniture located in Tuam, Co Galway was commissioned by the Hotel to create the beautifully made bedroom furniture. The wardrobes were hand crafted by Classic Furniture using cherry wood from Seropina in the USA. The furniture is custom made by skilled Irish tradesmen and has simple, classic and modern lines.
Deluxe rooms offer spectacular garden and countryside views whilst the interior offers luxury and warmth, designed to ensure a memorable stay. Luxurious rooms with approximately 55 square meters to enjoy. Deluxe rooms offer the same 5 star amenities and extras as the Lake Side Rooms.
SUITES
With an additional 24 junior suites on 3 levels, The Aghadoe Heights Hotel offers some of
the most cutting edge accommodation in Ireland. The suites range in size from 530 sq.ft. to 580 sq.ft. Lake View Studio Suites (12 in total) have magnificent views overlooking the
Lakes of Killarney with the McGillicuddy Reeks rising up beyond. The remaining 12 Garden View Studio Suites are situated overlooking the gardens with the scenic backdrop of the countryside beyond.
Each suite is entered via a bespoke walnut door commissioned in Italy by Tino Sana, with an
illuminated pediment over in a contemporary style. A generous lobby has been created inside prior to entering the suite proper. This initial area incorporates freestanding luggage racks and a glass fronted wardrobe complete with a concealed trouser press and safe. The
space also affords access to the bathroom via a glass door, also by Tino Sana.
The suites are of contemporary design utilising a bright and modern colour palette. Much of the furniture is of Italian origin with an interesting and complimentary mix of design styles.
The suite itself comprises two distinctive spaces. The initial living space is provided with a glass topped writing/dining table, illuminated from above with a glossy coloured wall console adjoining. This is further complimented with a moulded glass console table
opposite. Two pieces of art have been sourced specifically for each bedroom, many of which are by local artists of some note. This area is completed with a sofa and armchair around a coffee table.
A freestanding audio-visual unit has been designed to house a mini bar, complete with glasses. The DVD player and LCD screen are positioned above incorporating a state of the art BOSE music system all controlled by way of touch screen hand held remote. Each suite has two large windows floor to ceiling and almost full width affording panoramic views to the lake or gardens. Other technical points to mention are the computer and play station points, American friendly plug sockets and two additional sockets, one that allows you to
play your digital camera and the other allowing you to project your camcorder images on to the LCD screen in your suite!
The windows are dressed with silk curtains with a subtle organic pattern reflecting the setting and dramatic backdrop. The walls are finished in a silk-like wall covering with an
accent wall to one side. Each bed is provided with a tall leather bound headboard and bedding is monogrammed Frette Egyptian Cotton. The lockers and dressing table are walnut by Irish manufacturer- Classic Furniture with an illuminated mirror over the dressing
table.
The lighting has been sensitively designed to be very much in the background using borrowed light with concealed fittings above the curtains and individually located wall and floor lamps providing a subtle and sensitive atmosphere. In a departure from most Hotels the carpet has been designed in association with Ulster Carpets as a tonal off white and cream mix, which is bright and complimentary to the overall concept.
The bathrooms are exceptionally large, been approximately 85 sq ft in area. This has facilitated an unusual design with a double curved bath open on both ends by Duravit, complete with Italian marble illuminated back feature. The vanity unit is positioned opposite the bath with double under mounted washbasins in a marble surround. The WC is partially concealed behind a low marble clad feature wall. The bathroom is also provided with an independent 1.5 metre by .8m-shower enclosure complete with rain shower. This is an
exceptionally large shower area with an open entrance to one side and a glass floor to ceiling screen at the shower end.
The room is further complimented with a marble finish to the floor and skirting. A wall-to-
wall mirror is located over the basin, which also rises to ceiling level. The lighting to the
bathrooms has been concentrated in the specific locations with track lighting over the basins and individual recessed down lighters over the bath and shower further supplemented with feature lighting around the bath; this is mood lighting at its best!
The bathrooms are provided with speakers fed from the A/V system in the bedroom including volume control and telephone access.
Garden View Studio Suites offer spectacular garden and Kerry countryside views whilst
the interior offers the very latest in contemporary chic uniquely designed to ensure a memorable stay. The master bedroom benefits from a separate adjoining lounge room.
Each room is beautifully appointed with walnut wood interiors, carefully chosen furnishings
with extras. One of the dramatic features is he floor to ceiling windows showing off the mountains and countryside to their best advantage. Luxury is paramount as is space and comfort with approximately 60 square meters for you and your guests to enjoy. Relax into
the lounge sofas whilst taking in the views as you listen to your favorite music from the
Bose music system. Exceptionally large ensuite bathrooms with standalone bathtubs and showers are stocked with soft towels and luxurious dressing gowns and slippers. An array
of Aveda pampering goodies are just part of the standard room amenities.
Lake View Studio Suites offer the most spectacular lake views in a contemporary style from the comfort of your lake view suite. The master bedroom benefits from a separate adjoining lounge room. Each room is beautifully appointed with walnut wood interiors, carefully chosen furnishings and extras. One of the dramatic features is the floor to ceiling windows showing off the lakes and mountains to their best advantage. The Lake View rooms are equipped with king or twin bed option, mini-bars and spacious wardrobes. Luxury is paramount as is space and comfort with approximately 60 square meters for you to enjoy. The customized 6ft 6 bed is dressed in the most luxurious downs and the highest quality crisp white bed linen.
The Aghadoe Suite is a luxurious and contemporary styled room, wonderfully appointed and situated on the fourth floor. Upon arrival your valet welcomes you to the Aghadoe Suite in style! With its breathtaking views of Killarney Golf & Fishing Club and the lakes from its private balcony, the Aghadoe Suite is the ultimate retreat in Killarney. The space consists of a four-poster bed, dressed in the most luxurious downs and the highest quality crisp linen. Relax into the lounge sofas whilst taking in the views as you listen to your favourite music from the Bose Stereo System.
THE PENTHOUSE
Situated on the roof top of the newly built Aveda Concept Destination Spa, the Penthouse offers 360 degree vistas of the Lakes of Killarney, Kerry Mountains, Killarney Town, Ross Castle, Bricin Bridge, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Carranuntohill Mountain, Gap of Dunloe and even a glimpse of Dingle Bay! In essence The Penthouse is a must for any serious Kerry visitor as one would not need to move from the Penthouse to get the best views of Ireland‟s most celebrated tourist destination.
Burke Kennedy Doyle Architects designed the shell, while Cantrell & Crowley Architects and Interior Designers carried out the interior. To match the amazing exterior the owners, took a personal interest in both the architecture and interior design. Privacy and exclusiveness was top priority and The Penthouse boasts it own private access elevator, butler service and all the space in the world to entertain, exercise and relax! Individual pieces were chosen to create a luxurious setting including furniture from top designers including: Tod Hase, Hugues Chevalier, Mies
Van Der Rohe, Eileen Gray and Arne Jacobsen.
With the living and master bedroom spaces overlooking the lakes, a large multi functional space was required so that the Penthouse, while primarily a home (and not a show house), could also be used for board meetings, functions, exhibitions, product launches etc. A bespoke rich dark grey/green carpet was used throughout; with off white linen style wall covering and a simple ceiling containing a feature dropped wooden section to conceal the plethora of electronic equipment. State of the art multi media and audiovisual equipment includes full surround sound and interactive presentation facilities, 8ft home cinema screen, video conferencing, play station, incorporating remote control curtains and Lutron scene setting and lighting control.
Logistically, The Penthouse comprises of a large Lobby area, with private Ladies and Gentleman‟s Restrooms. There is also a fabulous fully stocked working bar complete with draught beer taps. The Guest Kitchen is a state of the art „Scavolini‟ Italian design with porcelain
cream lacquered units and quartz worktops as well as all the necessary equipment, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, combi oven/microwave. For those who have to work during their stay, the study offers the best in modern technology, with wireless computer, LCD screen, printer, scanner, fax and TV. Those who like to play during their stay are also accommodated as the Living Room has lounge seating for 10, the Dining Area has a table, which extends to 20 guests and this room has access to the Roof Top Terrace with Outdoor Hot Tub, plasma screen and piped music! With interconnecting doors, this area can hold-up to 60 people for a drinks reception, as the living area, dining room and bar can become one enormous space. The Penthouse also has direct access to the Aveda Resort Spa.
Bedrooms are sublime. Each of the two bedrooms has walk-in wardrobes, large bathrooms and luxurious soft furnishings. Silks, wools, velvets, linens and cotton add a decedent mix to the overall atmosphere of the rooms. The Master Bedroom boasts a 6 foot custom made bed with
access to the roof top terrace and outdoor hot tub and is decorated in a green silk fabric wall covering complete with Hugues Chevalier and John Hutton furniture.
Simple quality designer items of furniture were selected with Peter Johnson including items by Mies Van Der Rohe, Eileen Gray and Arne Jacobsen with the Todd Hase sofa upholstered in silk mohair. A feature gas fire was installed with a long line of dancing flames on a stone base forming a composition with the plasma screen overhead. Special attention is given to the art with pieces by Patrick Scott, Maria Simonds Gooding, Sean McSweeney and Brian Bourke among others.
Be it four people who want to escape for the weekend, a management team that needs privacy to conduct important meetings or need somewhere special to celebrate an important occasion, The Penthouse at The Aghadoe Heights Hotel is the most perfect venue.
Detailed information on specific design items is available on request.