The beautiful round tower in Killala. PHOTO: ALISON CRUMMY/FÁILTE IRELAND

Boutique hotel style guest accommodation gets green light in Mayo town

PLANS for small boutique hotel style accommodation in Killala have been approved by Mayo County Council.

The existing building consists of a public house and the proposal is for the renovation of the property to include 11 guest bedrooms, a communal bar and eating area.

There are four existing guest bedrooms in the property on George's Street, which Goretti and Shane Donnelly plan to redevelop as a welcome amenity for visitors to north Mayo.

The sole observation received by council planners about the development came from Deputy Dara Calleary, in support of the project.

Killala, he said, is crying out for such a development – a high-end boutique hotel style accommodation provider is not currently offered anywhere north of Ballina along the Wild Atlantic Way until one reaches Belmullet.

Killala, with its historical significance, is well placed in its own right to support such a proposed business and equally extremely well placed geographically to benefit from the Wild Atlantic Way advertising campaigns that draw thousands of visitors to Ross and Lacken strands and to Downpatrick Head and the Ceide Fields every year.

He submitted: 'This proposed development solves a long-standing accommodation deficiency in the region. It will add significantly to the attractiveness of north Mayo as a place to stay and spend money but equally adds to the social and aesthetic fabric of Killala town.'

There was no doubt that the provision of high-end accommodation, as proposed, was very much required in the town and the employment it would create would be greatly appreciated in a region crying out for such opportunities, particularly in these pandemic times.