History of The Gleneagle Killarney

From modest beginnings as a small country-house hotel opened in 1957, The Gleneagle Hotel has flourished into one of Ireland’s most popular visitor destinations. The original walls still stand at the heart of the hotel and the entrepreneurial spirit, which first inspired a young Killarney family to turn their home into a business, endures to this day

The Gleneagle Hotel, originally known as Flesk House, was an eight-bedroom Georgian building constructed in the 1830s as a private home for one of the Herberts of Cahernane. It later became the stately home of Lord Headley. The house was first opened as a hotel by Eustace McMorough-Bernard, a member of a famous Killarney family and later passed into the hands of Mr William Gilmore who also ran a thriving hotel. The hotel reverted to a private residence when bought by Archie Graham. 

In the decades that followed, numerous expansion programmes by Maurice and Margaret O’Donoghue led to a dramatic increase in both the hotel’s size and its facilities. The most significant and ambitious addition, the Gleneagle INEC Arena, opened in 2000. Today, The Gleneagle Hotel has 279 guestrooms, 65 self-catering apartments, numerous bars, restaurants, function spaces and leisure facilities. The hotel is now under the guardianship of the third generation of O’Donoghues.

The Gleneagle Hotel Killarney

4 Star accredited and at the doorstep to Killarney National Park

Killarney, Co.Kerry is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Home to approximately 14,000 residents, Killarney serves as the gateway to one of Ireland's most treasured natural wonders – Killarney National Park.

Spread over 26,000 acres of lush landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and woodlands, Killarney National Park captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystem. The park is home to iconic landmarks such as the majestic Lakes of Killarney, the historic Muckross House and Gardens, and the towering peaks of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, which includes Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil.