Video: Mayo hotel is reborn thanks to transfer of bar licence

CASTLEBAR'S Welcome Inn – now rechristened 'Ivy Tower Hotel'– is about to re-open for business.

Inside and out, the landmark building at Newantrim Street is spick and span after an extensive facelift.

Workmen have been beavering for weeks getting the hotel, which has been closed for more than a year, shipshape.

The first event on the calendar of the relaunched enterprise will be a McHugh family wedding.

Today (Friday), Thomas McHugh, son of Mary McHugh and the late Tony McHugh, was successful with his application in Castlebar District Court for an ad interim transfer of the licence for the sale of intoxicating liquor in the entire hotel premises to his name.

Thomas was the nominee of TMCH Hotel Investments.

The licence was formerly held in the name of George Maloney, receiver, over the assets of Welcome Inn Limited.

In evidence, Mr. McHugh outlined to Judge Mary Devins that he was “born into business” and has worked in the hotel trade.

He explained he will be running the hotel business and there will be a number of staff involved, all with previous experience.

The court heard that the application for the ad-interim transfer of the liquor licence refers to the entire hotel premises, including the Fáilte Suite.

Judge Devins expressed curiosity as to how the new hotel name was decided on.

The new owner explained that as there is a tower at the end of the building with some ivy growing there it was felt that the name would be suitable.

Inspector Patrick O'Shea indicated that gardai had no objection to the licence transfer.

The judge commented she was glad to see the establishment back in business.