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ONE of Ireland’s oldest and best loved hotels will soon be known once again as the Great Southern Killarney. In a move that will no doubt please the residents of Killarney, The Malton hotel will have its name retired as the Great Southern Killarney is reinstated on January 26, 2018.

Owned by the Scally family since 2014, the historic grand-dame style hotel is part of the Hayfield Family Collection that includes the Killarney Royal in Killarney and Hayfield Manor in Cork City. Over the past two years, the family-run company has invested in a major restoration programme – the grand foyer has been restored to the original Victorian design, the public areas have been redecorated in classical style, an extensive bedroom refurbishment program has been undertaken and the facilities surrounding the Grand Ballroom have been upgraded.

According to Ettienne van Vrede, CEO of the Hayfield Family Collection: “It is fitting and appropriate that we bring the wonderful Great Southern brand back to this beautiful property. Over the past two years we have carefully upgraded the hotel to reflect its heritage, grandeur and position within the town. Ironically, and perhaps not surprisingly, many people still refer to the hotel as the Great Southern such was the strength of its legacy and heritage. We look forward to celebrating the next chapter of this great story.”

Built in 1854 by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company and called The Railway Hotel- the first hotel to be owned by a railway company in either Ireland or Great Britain- from 1896 until 2009 the property was known as the Great Southern Hotel Killarney. It was for many years one of the best-known hotels in the country famed for its prized location next to the town’s railway station.

 
Joe Scally, company director, Ettienne Van Vrede, CEO of the Hayfield Family Collection, pictured at The Malton Hotel in Killarney, soon to known as its original name, The Great Southern Hotel Killarney. Pic: Sally MacMonagle