More room for a pint! Donegal Hotel gets green light for bar expansion
The approved development, submitted by RMI Architects on behalf of Harcourt Developments Ltd, will see the construction of a single-storey bar extension measuring 44 square metres.
Planning permission has been granted for a small extension to the popular Captain’s Bar at the Redcastle Oceanfront Golf & Spa Hotel, aimed at improving seating capacity and comfort for guests during busy periods and colder months.
The approved development, submitted by RMI Architects on behalf of Harcourt Developments Ltd, will see the construction of a single-storey bar extension measuring 44 square metres. The proposal will extend into the existing front terrace area and include a modest conservatory-style addition to the current bar.
The new seating area for patrons will integrate with the current building through existing external door openings to provide internal connections with no changes planned to ground levels or accessibility routes.
The extension is expected to provide additional sheltered seating for approximately 20 to 30 guests, helping to ease pressure on the bar area, which can become overcrowded during peak times when outdoor terrace space is less usable due to weather conditions.
The Redcastle Hotel, which comprises 94 guest rooms and suites and regularly hosts large-scale functions and receptions, stated in its planning submission that the Captain’s Bar courtyard is significantly underutilised during the colder winter months and periods of wet weather. This often leads to increased demand for indoor facilities.
The four-star hotel, located on a historic estate overlooking the Lough Foyle coastline, blends 18th-century heritage with modern hospitality. The lands were originally associated with Cahir O’Doherty, who died at the Battle of Kilmacrennan in 1601, before passing through several families during the Plantation of Ulster and the 19th century.
The estate later transitioned into hospitality in the early 20th century and was acquired by Buncrana property developer Pat Doherty, who developed it into the current Redcastle Oceanfront Golf & Spa Hotel in 1986, continuing the Doherty family’s association with the estate.
In granting permission, the planning authority attached four conditions, including measures to prevent surface water runoff impacting the public road and requirements for archaeological monitoring during any groundworks. The developer will also be required to pay a development contribution of €250.80 to Donegal County Council.
The extension is one of a number of recent hospitality upgrades approved for Harcourt Developments properties, including a larger bar extension at the five-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel.