£1 Million Hotel Accommodation Scheme Set to Boost Tourism Growth Across Newry, Mourne and Down

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to announce the successful recipients of its £1 million Hotel Accommodation Scheme, an investment aimed at increasing hotel room capacity and supporting the continued growth of tourism across the district.

The scheme has been established to help meet rising visitor demand by supporting accommodation providers to expand and enhance their offerings. The investment is expected to create new opportunities for tourism growth, encourage longer visitor stays and generate significant economic benefits for local businesses and communities.

Among the successful recipients are Larkins Bar and Jaramas Investments, Newry and Killeavy Castle Estate, all of whom will receive support to develop additional accommodation capacity, helping to strengthen the district’s position as one of Ireland’s leading tourism destinations.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, "Tourism is one of the key drivers of our local economy and this £1 million investment demonstrates the Council’s commitment to supporting its future growth.

“We have seen strong demand from local and international visitors who are drawn to the outstanding natural beauty, heritage, food and hospitality experiences that Newry, Mourne and Down has to offer. By investing in additional hotel accommodation, we are helping to ensure that more visitors can stay longer, spend more and fully experience everything our district has to offer."

Cllr Hanna added: "The projects being supported through this scheme will create lasting benefits for our tourism industry, local businesses and communities. I am delighted to congratulate the successful applicants and wish them every success as they bring their expansion plans forward."

Welcoming the funding, a spokesperson for Larkins Bar Ltd said, "This grant support is a significant boost for our business. The investment will allow us to expand our accommodation offering and provide more opportunities for visitors to stay, explore and enjoy the unique hospitality experience for which the region is renowned. We are excited about the future and grateful to the Council for recognising the importance of investing in tourism infrastructure."

Mick Boyle from Jaramas Investments said, "Killeavy Castle Estate is delighted to be supported through the Hotel Accommodation Scheme. The 365-acre Estate sits on the slopes of the magnificent Slieve Gullion and provides our visitors with sustainable luxury accommodation.  Demand for high-quality accommodation continues to grow and this investment will help us further develop our offering while enhancing the visitor experience. The Council’s vision and commitment to supporting the tourism sector is to be welcomed, and we look forward to playing our part in attracting more visitors to South Armagh and showcasing this exceptional destination in the Ring of Gullion."

The Hotel Accommodation Scheme forms part of the Council’s wider tourism and economic development strategy, which seeks to encourage investment, support business growth and further enhance Newry, Mourne and Down’s reputation as a premier destination for domestic and international visitors.

With visitor numbers continuing to rise and major tourism assets attracting growing interest, the additional accommodation supported through the scheme will help ensure the district is well positioned to capitalise on future opportunities and deliver sustainable tourism growth for years to come.