Brehon Capital Partners Buy Mount Juliet Resort

Brehon Capital Partners and businessman Emmet O'Neil have bought the Mount Juliet Resort, Kilkenny, from Killeen Group Holdings. The 86-bedroom resort, which cost about €15 million, includes Mount Juliet House, the Hunters Yard Club House, the Rose Garden Lodges, a course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a golfing academy, and an equestrian centre. Killeen Group Holdings will retain ownership of Ballylinch Stud however.   There was strong interest in the property, according to Killeen, with both Irish and foreign investors in the running to acquire the property.   There are also plans for major new investment in the coming months that will see between 30 and 40 bedrooms augmented to the resort. It is understood that about €4 million will be spent on the work, which will mean upgrading the spa and swimming pool facilities later this year.   There are currently 143 staff employed at Mount Juliet, and it is understood that no jobs are at risk because of the sale, with the prospect of more hiring when the expansion is complete.   The move represents Brehon Capital Partners' third venture in the Irish hotel trade, following their investments in Dublin’s Marker Hotel, and in Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow respectively.   “Brehon will continue to be active in the Irish property market, and we intend to play a major role as long term investors across the office, hotel and multi-family segments of the market,” Damien Gaffney, Director of Brehon Capital Partners said.