New owners in train for historic Railway Hotel

THE RAILWAY Hotel in Limerick city, which has lain idle since 2016, has a new owner.

The “sold” sign went up outside the Parnell Street property over the weekend. When contacted by the Limerick Leader, GVM group property director Tom Crosse remained tight-lipped about the details of the sale.

“All parties were happy with the price obtained,” said Mr Crosse, who extended his best wishes to the new owners.

The Railway Hotel is the oldest hostelry in Limerick dating back to 1871, and is one of the few listed hotels in the city. It was once an old coaching inn and has 29 bedrooms, as well as the bar.

According to local sources, the new owner hails from County Tipperary and has a background in the accommodation and hostelry business.

When it was put on the market last year, the Railway Hotel was guided at €1.75m. It is understood the price achieved was in or around the guide.

READ MORE: UL project looks to improve care for intellectually disabled

The council has granted planning permission to redevelop the Railway Hotel, opposite Colbert Station. The proposal would see 111 student bed spaces across 25 apartments.

On top of this, the neighbouring former McEnery's general store is slated for demolition, with a cafe taking its place and a seven-storey building behind the existing listed hotel. The decision was appealed and is currently before An Bord Pleanala.

Mr Crosse said there was a good level of interest in the Railway Hotel with the increase in bedroom rates stimulating enquiries in such buildings.