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The Springhill Hotel in Kilkenny reopened this month following a €10 million makeover that added 47 new bedrooms and expanded the property’s capacity. The upgrade is the latest investment by the McAuliffe Collection, which has owned the hotel since 2015.
A major refresh and a new direction
The redevelopment increased the hotel’s total to 132 keys, with the structural extension providing 47 brand‑new guest rooms. The remaining 85 rooms were also given comprehensive, high‑specification upgrades.
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Owner Xavier McAuliffe said the work represents a fresh start for the property, and that the aim was to create a sustainable, design‑led venue suited to weekend visitors, corporate travellers and local diners alike.
Rooms designed for comfort and efficiency
The new accommodation was built to high eco‑friendly standards, incorporating energy‑saving smart technologies to improve operating efficiency. Some rooms have been designated as dog‑friendly to meet growing market demand.
Interiors balance what designers describe as warmth and minimalism. Guest rooms feature tall timber headboards, integrated smart lighting and a muted, earth‑tone palette punctuated by deep moss‑green and teal soft furnishings.
Bathrooms follow a contemporary brief, with vertical sea‑blue KitKat tiling, floating sinks, warm back‑lit mirrors and amenity products from Papoutsanis Olivia, which use olive oil and organic olive extracts.
Public spaces rethought
Public areas have been reconfigured to present a brighter, more streamlined welcome. The reception and lobby now combine cream floor tiling with geometric brass lighting and leather seating set against plum and olive feature walls.
The hotel’s Paddocks bar has been transformed into a smart casual dining space, exposing brickwork and wood flooring and adding a central, dual‑aspect modern fireplace to create a focal point.
Local impact
Beyond enhancing the McAuliffe Collection’s portfolio, the expanded operation is expected to support the local economy. Management says the project will create as many as 60 jobs across front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house roles.
