THE Avoca Hotel in Newcastle, Co Down has undergone a £2.5 million-pound restoration, securing 35 jobs.
The 15-bedroom family-run hotel, located in the seaside town's Central Promenade, has been run by the O’Hare family since June 2018.
The work, which commenced in February 2020 has helped revitalise the unique character of the 200-year-old property.
Supported by Diageo and Ulster Bank, the rennovation project was designed by Paul Haffey Design with S J Walsh & Sons appointed as the main contractor alongside Hillen Architects.
The modernisation of all bedrooms and bathrooms has been completed in tandem with the restoration of the reception and bar areas.
The Wild Hare bar now features teak countertops, salvaged from O’Hagan & O’Hare’s chemist in Newry, which dates back to 1890 and whose original owner was a direct relative of the hotel owners.
The interior walls have also been stripped back to original brick work, while antiques, fireplaces and other furnishings have been sourced from other historic buildings throughout Ireland and the UK.
“We are absolutely thrilled to finally get to this point where we are unveiling the stunning newly refreshed and restored Avoca to our much-loved guests," said Jack O'Hare.
“This hotel has always been family-run and has played a huge part in the local economy, hospitality and tourism sector of Newcastle.
“It was hugely important to us that we retained the unique character, heritage and history of the building, and we got some lovely surprises during the process of the restoration," said the hotelier.
"We uncovered an old Victorian lift in the property, which dated back to 1860 as well as a well-preserved 'Moonlight Calendar' booklet dating back to 1901, which was advice to cyclists for riding your bike back in dark unlit streets.
“The quality and craftsmanship which has been painstakingly restored into every last detail, is second-to-none, and I want to thank each and every one of our partners who have made our vision a reality.
"From our interior designers, Paul Haffey Design and contractors, S J Walsh & Sons to Hillen Architects, PD Savage Structural Engineers, PM Lighting to Nugent & Gibney furniture – the finished design has exceeded all of our expectations."
