News
New Group General Manager appointed to O’Donoghue Ring Collection
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Brian Lawlor will be responsible for overseeing the overall portfolio of the collection, which includes the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney Towers Hotel, and the River Island Hotel. Along with The Park Place apartments, the collection boasts an array of bespoke carefully curated outlets such as Cafe Du Parc, The Tanyard and the newly reimagined O'Donoghue public house.
Originally from Wexford, Brian has a long career in luxury hospitality, after working in Adare Manor for over 20 years. In 1999, he graduated from Waterford IT as IHF Graduate of the Year, after studying Business Studies in Hotel & Catering Management. It was then that he took on a work placement position at Adare Manor, progressing through the ranks of various positions until he became the General Manager of the Carriage House. Over the duration of his tenure, Brian specialised in food and beverage management and operations, before moving to Killarney Towers Hotel in 2021 as General Manager.
With over two decades of experience under his belt, Brian has seen many transitions within the Irish hospitality industry and has witnessed the various challenges and shifts over the years.
“People’s expectations have grown immensely, particularly within the domestic market," Brian said.
"Creativity is a big thing and we must try to stay ahead of the curve. It’s fantastic to see the domestic market has come into its own.”
Considering his new position to be the highlight of his career, Brian is thrilled at the opportunity that the O’Donoghue Ring family have given him.
“My aim is to compliment the progression and innovation that has seen the company elevate in recent years. I see the ODR collection as a group with endless potential and I along with the family and senior management team look forward to realising these aspirations.’’
This is an exciting time for the collection as they continue their programme of innovation and progression.
"We are delighted that Brian Lawlor has been appointed to the role of Group General Manager," Gemma Ring, Managing Director said.
"With Brian we will focus together on key areas of growth and strategic innovation, aligned to our people, culture, and sustainability goals. We are proud to be amongst the leading hotels groups in Kerry and look forward to working with Brian to continue delivering an excellent offering to our valued guests.”
Killarney hotels achieve top global rankings in Readers’ Choice Awards
Two leading Killarney hotels are celebrating major international accolades following the publication of the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Killarney Royal Townhouse was named the No. 2 Hotel in Ireland in the US edition of the global awards, securing top placement among the country’s finest properties based entirely on votes cast by international travellers.
Pat McGrath, General Manager of Killarney Royal Townhouse, expressed his pride in the achievement:
“We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as the No. 2 Hotel in Ireland in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. To receive this recognition directly from travellers makes it particularly special, and we are immensely proud of our team, whose genuine care, warm welcome and attention to detail shape the guest experience every day.”
Meanwhile, sister property The Killarney Park achieved a double success in this year’s voting, earning inclusion across both Atlantic editions of the prestigious travel guide. The family-owned venue was ranked No. 8 in the US Readers’ Choice Awards and No. 5 in the UK Readers’ Choice Awards.
The annual awards represent one of the travel industry’s longest-running honors, with almost 800,000 readers submitting votes to rate their favorite global travel experiences.
Marcus Treacy, Managing Director of The Killarney Park, welcomed the dual honors:
“Recognition such as this means a great deal to us because it comes directly from the people who have spent their time with us. As a family-owned hotel, knowing that what we have created here in Killarney continues to resonate with guests travelling from around the world is something we are enormously proud of.”
The strong showing by both local venues underlines Killarney’s standing as a world-class hospitality hub for international visitors.
Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s
World renowned Paralympian and world record holder Jason Smyth paid a visit to St Brendan’s College on Wednesday afternoon as part of a high profile visit to Killarney.
The six time Paralympic gold medallist spoke to second year students from St Brendan’s College, alongside students from neighbouring schools St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School and Killarney Community College.
The interactive talk and interview took place ahead of World Sight Day, with the legendary sprinter sharing his personal journey with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that left him legally blind at eight years old.
The Derry native, who holds the world record as the fastest Paralympian on earth over 100 metres, offered inspiring insights into overcoming physical adversity and achieving success at the highest level of world sport.
The school visit formed the opening leg of his Killarney schedule before he took centre stage later on Wednesday evening at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa.
Smyth headlined An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth, an event organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce as part of its winter schedule, sponsored by AIB.
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Killarney hotels achieve top global rankings in Readers’ Choice Awards Two leading Killarney hotels are celebrating major international accolades following...
Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s
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