Hotels
John Doherty
The 17 best hotels in Ireland according to a ...

Condé Nast - On the steely shores of Lough Eske, with the Bluestack Mountains as a backdrop, this ranks right up there among Irish castles you can bed down in. Donegal has become one of Ireland’s worst-kept secrets in recent years, a wild and rugged county that quietly impresses with its knockout scenery – and slickly operated Lough Eske Castle plugs you right in.

The 17 best hotels in Ireland according to a local
People
John Doherty
Alastair Fullerton named executive chef at the ...

Alastair Fullerton has been appointed executive chef at the Titanic Hotel Belfast, which is part of the Harcourt Collection. 

He will oversee the 100-cover Wolff Grill restaurant, which takes its name from Titanic shipbuilders Harland & Wolff, who were previously headquartered at the 119-bedroom hotel. 

Fullerton has over 40 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, having been educated at Belfast Met before starting work under Paul Rankin in Roscoff.

Alastair Fullerton named executive chef at the Titanic Hotel Belfast
Hotels
John Doherty
Donegal is hot right now, and you can soak it ...

Food. Drink. Life - County Donegal is stepping into the international spotlight. With a steady rise in visitor numbers in recent years, Ireland’s northwestern corner is drawing global travelers in search of rugged coastlines, charming villages and open spaces far from the usual tourist trail. 

It didn’t take long for me to understand the appeal. There’s a rhythm to life up here that feels different. You’re not rushing to check sights off a list but lingering to take in the breath-taking views, pulling over because you spotted a castle ruin or a wool shop tucked into the side of the road. It’s spontaneous, a little daring and completely enchanting

Donegal is hot right now, and you can soak it all in by the sea
Hotels
John Doherty
5-star Lough Eske Castle leads the way in ...

Lough Eske Castle, County Donegal’s only five-star hotel, has taken a significant step forward in sustainable hospitality through a comprehensive suite of eco-conscious initiatives. Leading the way is the castle’s full transition to renewable energy, achieved through a long-term partnership with a leading green electricity provider. The historic estate is now powered entirely by clean, renewable energy marking a key milestone in its ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and aligning with Ireland’s national sustainability goals.

This move to renewable power is just one part of the castle’s broader mission to embed sustainability into every aspect of its operations.

5-star Lough Eske Castle leads the way in eco-luxury with sustainability overhaul
Art
John Doherty
Lucian Freud & me: The real 'Donegal Man' ...

Irish Examiner - A major exhibition of Lucian Freud's work is currently on at Titanic Belfast. Marc O'Sullivan spoke to two of the key people who were involved with the German/British painter

Pat Doherty has the distinction of having sat for three portraits – two paintings and a copperplate etching – by the legendary British painter Lucian Freud. 

Several copies of the etching feature in the exhibition, Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration, which has just launched at Titanic Belfast in partnership with the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Lucian Freud & me: The real 'Donegal Man' on his encounters with the great artist

Hotels

Doherty’s Harcourt agree €77.6 deal for London hotel

Doherty’s Harcourt agree €77.6 deal for London hotel

Donegal News - The International property company owned by Buncrana born developer Pat Doherty has just agreed a deal to sell its five-star hotel overlooking Chelsea Harbour in London for €77.6 million.

Harcourt Developments closed the deal to sell the Wyndham Grand Hotel to Millennium and Copthorne Hotels, a British based hotel operator.

The luxury hotel which comprises 158 suites, a spa and a restaurant overlooking Chelsea marina was put on the market as the capital’s only five-star luxury all-suite hotel.

Still One Of The Caribbean's Best Resorts: Antigua's Carlisle Bay

Still One Of The Caribbean's Best Resorts: Antigua's Carlisle Bay

Forbes - The Caribbean is ablaze with resort pyrotechnics: Celebrity chefs! Underwater sound systems! Bath butlers and 90-foot “infinity” bars! Wasn’t the islands’ original appeal that they were a low-key, laid-back escape from all that?

Antigua: The Big Easy

Antigua: The Big Easy

The Times - A luxurious winter break in the Caribbean provided the perfect opportunity for Julie Burchill to indulge her passion for hotels.

Maybe it’s something to do with being one of Mother Nature’s runaways, but I’ve never understood why so many otherwise sensible people have a problem with hotels - more specifically, why people who could afford to stay at gorgeous hotels choose to hire villas instead.

I grew up in a working-class family, yet when we went to the seaside it was to a B&B - never a flat - and when we went to Butlin’s it was full-board, never self-catering. My parents regarded those who chose to do their own cooking on holiday as uptight, penny-pinching freaks, and as in all things they were so right.