The old Lady of Killarney, the Great Southern Hotel, below, closes her doors this month for a total refit, at a cost in the region of £9 million (€11.43m). The hotel, built in the 1850s, has been a landmark not just in Killarney but in Kerry.

Built during the heyday of Irish rail traffic, the Killarney Great Southern was the jewel in the crown of the emerging Kerry tourism market. It was here that presidents and princes, business barons and church dignitaries, world famous entertainers and sports people stayed.

Set in 20 acres of lush gardens, the hotel will be totally refurbished and extended over a six-month period during which 16 executive rooms will be added and existing bedrooms enlarged.

The 175-bedroom hotel will provide modern conveniences and technology for the leisure and business market. The refurbishment has been planned in conjunction with D·chas and Killarney Urban District Council, taking account of the building's listed status. The multi-million pound project is to be completed by next summer.