Business

Bank to support multi-million pound revamp at Lough Erne Resort

Resort’s 53 guest bedrooms, six suites, 25 luxury lodges and communal areas are refurbished ahead of Open

The five-star Lough Erne Resort has completed the latest phase of a multi-million pound investment with a luxurious interiors refurbishment of its 53 guest bedrooms, six suites, 25 luxury lodges and communal areas
TRU Hotels and Resorts co founders Jeff Mahan (left) and Mark Ward (second right) with Eleanor Neal, financial controller at the resort, and Gavin North, senior business manager at Bank of Ireland UK

The five-star Lough Erne Resort has completed the latest phase of a multi-million pound investment with a luxurious interiors refurbishment of its 53 guest bedrooms, six suites, 25 luxury lodges and communal areas.

Supported by Bank of Ireland, the latest phase of investment has also seen works undertaken to strengthen the iconic bridge, which links the resort to one of two onsite Championship golf courses.

And it comes with less than a year to go until the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, which is expected to draw thousands of golfing tourists and visitors to the north and provide significant economic returns and opportunities across the tourism and hospitality sector.

The interiors refurbishment is the latest phase of Lough Erne’s largest capital injection since it came under the management of US-based TRU Hotels and Resorts, co-founded by Mark Ward and Jeff Mahan.



Mr Mahan said: “Lough Erne Resort is a truly world-class leisure destination which provides luxury accommodation enveloped by water, wild countryside and landscaped gardens.

“We see our role as custodians of this beautiful resort and remain focussed on investment and innovation to retain that world-class status.

“With increasing demand for wellbeing, mindfulness and connection to nature, the interiors refurbishment has been designed to complement the beauty of our countryside setting, reflecting the natural assets of the resort’s peninsula.

Mr Ward added: “Throughout this phase of investment, Bank of Ireland have been a supportive partner and have taken time to really understand our business and our investment plans.

“Lough Erne Resort is a unique leisure experience and Bank of Ireland have spent time to get to know our business and our ambitions, providing the right financial support at the right time to help us achieve our goals.”

The five-star Lough Erne Resort has completed the latest phase of a multi-million pound investment with a luxurious interiors refurbishment of its 53 guest bedrooms, six suites, 25 luxury lodges and communal areas
Mark Ward (left) and Jeff Mahan from operators TRU Hotels and Resorts LLC, lounge at the newly refurbished library at Lough Erne Resort (Andrew Paton)

Gavin North, senior business manager at Bank of Ireland UK, said: “Lough Erne Resort is one of Northern Ireland’s most preeminent hospitality destinations and remains so due to the continued innovation and investment by the TRU Hotels and Resorts to deliver exceptional experiences for visitors.

“We are proud to work closely with Mark, Jeff and the TRU Hotels and Resorts team to provide the financial products and services they need to succeed.

“Hospitality and tourism are key contributors to our economy, generating income and employment, and we are pleased to play our part in enabling Lough Erne Resort and may other tourism related industries to thrive.”