A POPULAR Co Antrim hotel is undertaking a multi-million pound refurbishment ahead of The Open golf championship next year.
The family-owned McKeever Hotel Group has announced renovation plans to revitalise the Dunadry Hotel in Antrim to a four star, luxury business and leisure venue, creating 21 new jobs.
The refurbishment, supported by £740,000 of finance from Invest NI, will see the redevelopment of the hotel's 80 bedrooms. This work is due to be complete by June, a month ahead of The Open taking place at Royal Portrush Golf Club.
The hotel’s conference and event spaces along with the bistro restaurant have already been refurbished as part of the renovation works.
Managing director of the McKeever Hotel Group, Eugene McKeever said the major investment will cater for the growing tourism market in the north.
“Revitalising this majestic hotel is an exciting process and we are delighted with the progress and results so far in the public and event spaces."
“Invest NI’s assistance is helping us to realise the full commercial potential of the Dunadry. Upgrading all accommodation facilities will enhance our product offering and help us to meet the needs of international tourists who visit Northern Ireland each year," Mr McKeever added.
Invest NI executive director of business and sector development, Jeremy Fitch said the renovation at the hotel is a "positive outcome" for Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry and local economy.
“The Dunadry is a historic property with links to the linen industry and its renovation to four star status with upgraded event facilities will be a significant asset to the Antrim and Newtownabbey area.
“We are pleased to be working with the McKeever Hotel Group as it implements this capital investment that will help reposition its offering to the leisure and business tourism market, particularly outside Northern Ireland."
The McKeever Hotel Group, who acquired the Dunadry Hotel last year, owns five properties on the island of Ireland, including; Corrs Corner Hotel in Newtownabbey, Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim, the Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena and Dillons Hotel in Letterkenny
