One of Ireland's best-known hotels has been sold by the Gunne agency. White's Hotel in Wexford, which was established 20 years before the 1798 Rebellion, was sold to a consortium of hoteliers.

No sale price has been disclosed, but hotels of a similar calibre have been fetching in excess of £3 million. The three-star hotel includes 82 bedrooms, two lounge bars, two restaurants and a nightclub.

Owner Mrs Ann Small is retiring from the business after 34 years. The consortium which bought the hotel includes Mr Jim White, of the White Hotel Group, Mr Michael Burke of Lawlors Hotel in Dungarvan and Mr Liam Clancy of Bundoran.