Ashbourne woman 'thrilled' to acquire Bellinter House

Hotels Properties, a hospitality and hotel management group headed by Meath resident Sheila O’Riordan, has acquired Bellinter House Hotel and Spa, the 18th century mansion close to Bective, Navan. Ms O'Riordan lives in Ashbourne with her family and says she is thrilled with the acquisition of the historic property.

As a lifelong admirer of Bellinter House, Ms O'Riordan says the purchase is not just a business venture but a deeply personal commitment to preserving and enhancing the legacy of this iconic house. She brings a wealth of hospitality knowledge and a passion for Meath's rich history and culture, promising a vibrant future for Bellinter House.

"I'm incredibly excited to be a part of Bellinter House's history and its future," she says.

"This estate is a treasure of County Meath, and I look forward to working closely with the wonderful team here to ensure it remains a cherished destination for both locals and visitors."

She is also enthusiastic about continuing the successful collaboration with Denise O'Brien, who has been the general manager at Bellinter House for the past five years.

"Working alongside Denise is a privilege," Ms O'Riordan says. "Her experience and passion for Bellinter House are invaluable, and together, we aim to enhance the guest experience while preserving the unique charm and historical significance of this beautiful property."

Bellinter House will continue to offer luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, and a range of events and activities, all set against the backdrop of its picturesque grounds and stunning architecture. Future plans include enhancing the guest experience through thoughtful updates and curated events that celebrate the heritage and natural beauty .

The Georgian mansion was built about 1750, designed by Richard Castle for John Preston, grandfather of the first Lord Tara. The Briscoe family took over the house in 1893.

The late huntsman, George Briscoe, sold the house to William Holdsworth in the 1950s.The estate was purchased by the Irish Land Commission and broken up into farms of 50 acres or less. The house and 12 acres of land were purchased by the Sisters of Sion in 1965 and they took up residence in 1966, using it as a retreat and conference centre. The house needed extensive repairs with leaks in the roof and the front badly overgrown. The Sisters brought the house back to its original beauty where possible and very sensitively adapted the building for its present use.

Following the departure of the nuns some 20 years ago, the hotel was developed by Jay Bourke, Eoin Foyle, and the late John Reynolds, and has changed hands a number of times since then.

Hotels Properties is an independent family-owned property development, management and hospitality group which manages properties in Ireland and Britain ranging from small B&B guesthouses to large hotels, many in unique locations close to main tourist attractions, bus routes and other regional hubs.