The Harcourt Collection has announced a strong start to 2025, reporting group revenues up by 10% for the first quarter compared to the same period last year. The Ulster properties, Lough Eske Castle, Redcastle Hotel & Spa and Titanic Hotel Belfast, have been standout performers, recording an impressive 16% growth in total revenues year-on-year. The significant uplift was further bolstered by the €5 million investment in the Donegal Suites extension at Lough Eske Castle, launched late last year, which has helped deliver a remarkable 23% increase in revenue, against the same quarter in 2024.
Forward bookings across the entire group suggest continued momentum, with room revenue currently tracking 8% ahead of the same time last year. Ulster once again leads the group, with an encouraging 16% growth on the books for 2025. Demand is being driven by a combination of high-profile events such as The Open Championship and a healthy mix of international business across the region.
Lough Eske Castle is the first 5-star hotel in County Donegal
North America remains a key market for Lough Eske Castle. Booking patterns for the year were slower than last year in January and February, however March and April delivered a strong recovery, bringing volumes back in line with expectations. Business on the books is now stronger than this time last year, with North American guests expected to account for over 60% of total stays across the coming summer season. Furthermore, Lough Eske Castle’s direct booking engine has reported a 13% increase in future revenue from the US market compared with 2024 figures, underlining the sustained appeal of the property to American travellers.
Across the group, emerging guest trends reflect notable shifts in guest behaviour, from booking windows shortening considerably, with last-minute reservations becoming much more prevalent than in previous years. Multigenerational travel is also on the rise, with families increasingly choosing to travel together, particularly adult children and parents, a trend well supported by The Harcourt Collection’s expanded accommodation offerings such as the Donegal Suites at Lough Eske Castle and family-friendly suites at Redcastle Hotel & Spa.
Guests are also becoming increasingly focused on wellness with spa revenues across the Donegal properties rising by 35% in Q1 vs 2024, signalling a wider shift towards wellbeing-led travel experiences.
Clement Gaffney, Group Chief Operating Officer of The Harcourt Collection at Lough Eske Castle Hotel
Clement Gaffney, Group Chief Operating Officer of The Harcourt Collection says:
"We are thrilled with the momentum we have built in the first quarter of 2025, particularly in our Ulster portfolio, where strategic investment and a clear focus on guest experience are delivering strong returns, in what is being reported as a challenging market. The loyalty and enthusiasm of our North American guests continue to underpin our performance, and we are encouraged about the opportunities that lie ahead this year. At The Harcourt Collection, we remain committed to evolving with our guests’ expectations, investing in wellness, family travel and unique world-class hospitality offerings, which allow us to continually exceed our visitors' aspirations."