It has hosted former US president Bill Clinton, Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, rock star Bruce Springsteen and champion golfer Tiger Woods, but the five-star Adare Manor hotel and golf resort in Limerick will close today for a multimillion euro refurbishment that won't see it reopen until September 2017.

The 842-acre resort, which is owned by millionaire local businessman JP McManus and his family, received planning permission yesterday to add an extra 40 bedrooms to the hotel, to bring its total to 104, subject to 22 conditions.

It has also been given the green light to build a ballroom to cater for 350 guests.

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Both will be clad in limestone, mirroring the architectural detail of the original neo-Gothic manor house. The enhancements will include a new spa, pool and relaxation area, a boardroom for up to 30 people, and a cinema.

An activity centre is also planned in the newly refurbished stables, and the refurbishment includes upgrading and restoring internal finishes, furniture and woodwork, and repairing the external stonework and windows.

‘New beginning’

Speaking to

The Irish Times

,

Anita Higgins

, general manager of Adare Manor & Golf Resort, described it as a “new beginning” for the resort.

“We’re developing the estate so that when you come in here you won’t have have to go back outside the door,” she said.

She declined to comment on the cost of the refurbishment but industry sources have put it at about €50 million.

Some 62 of the 170 staff will remain on to manage the project and to secure future bookings, while 300 will be employed there when it reopens.

The golf course and clubhouse will also get a makeover. Specialist architect Tom Fazio will assist with improvements to make it one of the finest Parkland courses in Europe. It will close for 12 months with its 300 members being accommodated at nearby clubs.

News of the closure led to a flurry of business in recent weeks, with up to 100 afternoon teas served per day. “I’d say everyone in Limerick has had afternoon tea here in the last two weeks,” Ms Higgins said.

About 30,000 guests stayed at the hotel last year, with revenues coming in at close to €10 million. Its average occupancy was 70 per cent.

Most of the hotel’s contents will be auctioned to the public at the property on January 28th and 29th.