Hilton signs Ashbourne hotel for DoubleTree’s Republic of Ireland debut

Hilton has signed an agreement to convert a 156-room hotel in Ashbourne, County Meath, into the Republic of Ireland’s first DoubleTree by Hilton. The property near Dublin is expected to reopen under the brand in early 2027 following a refurbishment.

The deal forms part of an expansion programme that includes the European debut of Home2 Suites in Dublin and Hilton’s first hotel signing in Cork. Hilton said its forthcoming openings would create more than 150 jobs across Ireland, taking employment at its hotels in the country to nearly 1,000, alongside an existing portfolio of eight hotels across six brands.

Ashbourne conversion to include full refurbishment

Work at DoubleTree by Hilton Ashbourne will cover guest rooms, public areas, restaurants and bars. The hotel is approximately 25 minutes from Dublin Airport, a location Hilton said would support demand from both business and leisure guests and extend its presence in Greater Dublin.

Richard Mc Dermott, the hotel’s proprietor, said the partnership would combine improvements to the guest experience with employment opportunities and longer-term benefits for the area. For the owner, the agreement also brings access to Hilton’s commercial support and global loyalty programme, which Mc Dermott cited as reasons for confidence in attracting visitors to Dublin and beyond.

Extended-stay and lifestyle hotels broaden the portfolio

The Ashbourne signing follows the opening of Home2 Suites by Hilton Dublin City Centre, the brand’s first European property. Located near O’Connell Street, the 290-suite hotel offers apartment-style accommodation for short visits and longer stays, addressing what Hilton described as growing demand for flexible accommodation among business and leisure travellers.

Hilton has also signed Cork City Centre, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in partnership with JMK Group, with an opening expected in 2027. The 103-room property on South Terrace will combine standard guest rooms with extended-stay accommodation and include a restaurant, bar and fitness facilities.

The Cork agreement establishes Hilton’s first hotel project in the city and extends its lifestyle portfolio across the UK and Ireland. Paul Blackmore, Hilton’s vice president, development, UK & Ireland, said demand in cities and regional destinations supported the company’s confidence in Ireland, with owner partnerships and matching brands to locations central to its expansion approach.

Northern Ireland pipeline includes Tempo debut

In Northern Ireland, Hilton has marked the first anniversary of The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which introduced that brand to the market. It has also signed DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square and DoubleTree by Hilton Derry-Londonderry.

A further brand launch is planned with Tempo by Hilton Belfast City Centre, a 144-room lifestyle hotel. Hilton expects the property to become the first Tempo hotel outside the United States, taking its wellness-focused brand into international markets.