New Derryhale owner proud to be able to give something back to the ‘town’

The new owner of the Derryhale Hotel in Dundalk says he looks forward to the creation of 40 jobs in the town while bringing the Victorian-era luxury hotel back to life this year.

Dundalk native Andy Mackin says he bought the hotel as he wanted to return it to its former glory.

“Derryhale is a project particularly close to my heart as a native of Dundalk. I used to go there when I was younger and found it heartbreaking to see it closed over the last 20 years and becoming so run down in the years,” he explained.

“I’m proud to be able to give something back to the ‘town’ and to hopefully leave a legacy in my Dad’s honour and name.”
Speculation and excitement is rising locally as people from the community have been reminiscing about their experiences at the hotel – everything from First Holy Communions, to weddings and engagement parties.

Mr Mackin said: “It’s been really touching to see such support and reminiscing from the local community since renovation works to the building got underway.

“People have been sharing their pictures and memories of their first dates, wedding and family celebrations down through generations.

“It’s lovely and I’m so looking forward to being able to open the doors and welcome people of the ‘town’ and further afield.”

The hotel, which is located just off the Carrickmacross Road, will create 40 jobs in Dundalk.

Dating back to the late Victorian/early Edwardian era, the building was the pride of the town from when it first opened as a hotel in 1963.

“Sadly, Derryhale fell into a state of disrepair over the years, but I’m excited to revive this iconic listed building in all its heritage glory,” Mr Mackin shared.

He continued: “I’m proud we are in a position to help weave the hotel and its new staff back into the social fabric of Dundalk.”

He said the Derryhale Hotel was about to write a new chapter in its history but the memories of the last chapter would also be honoured as members of the community and those with memories of the hotel are being asked to share them ahead of the hotel’s opening in early 2025.

Mackin Group is an international business group headquartered in Cork, with offices in Dublin, London and Warwickshire, California and North Carolina, Vancouver, Zurich, Netherlands, Cape Town, Singapore and Shanghai.

The company was established in 2004 just before Mr Mackin retired in 2006 from the navy after 21 years.

The Mackin Group employs 250 staff worldwide and operates across several sectors including recruitment services Mackin Talent and Greybridge Search & Selection, environment health and safety consultancy Mackin EHS, and a diverse property portfolio MackinGo flexible workspaces in the US and properties in the US and Ireland.

Mr Mackin continued: “Derryhale and indeed the other properties in Mackin’s portfolio reflect my continued ambition and open minded perspective to business and life.

“I’m as passionate as ever about my business endeavours, the people we work with and the service and contribution we make.”

The Derryhale Hotel is a listed building which dates back to c. 1906, in the late Victorian/early Edwardian style.

The hotel still boasts its distinctive carved timber staircase, stained glass windows, panelled doors, architrave and ceiling cornices.

The hotel was first opened in August 1963. Follow the progress of the reopening of the Derryhale Hotel at www.derryhale hotel.com.