On the edge of Castletownbere and beautifully located overlooking the harbour, nearby islands and the handsome Slieve Miskish Mountains, the Cametringane Hotel had lain empty and unloved for years until hoteliers Mark Golden and Mark Johnston purchased the old building in 2015 and began a new chapter for the town.
Formerly of The Old Imperial Hotel in Youghal, where they had gained some experience of renovating an old property, the two Marks saw great potential in the area and in the hotel. As one of Ireland's biggest fishing ports, Castletownere has a substantial year round population - and the hotel now provides a much needed local amenity, as well as a base for visitors to explore a wonderfully scenic and unspoilt area offering an exceptional range of things to see and do.
The sixteen bedrooms in this friendly hotel (many with balconies from which to enjoy the fine views) offer contemporary accommodation with smart bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities and flat screen TV.
Mark Johnston is a well known chef (a former Head Chef at Park Hotel Kenmare), so there's a strong emphasis on food at the hotel, both in the restaurant - which offers fine dininig at weekends - and the bar, where a varied menu is offered every day. A carefully selected wine list includes some treat bottles for special occasions and about ten wines offered by the glass at moderate prices.
The Beara Coast has become a popular wedding venue, and - like some other hotels in beautiful but seasonally restricted areas - it would also be an especially interesting venue for an off season conference.
The surrounding area is truly magical and there is so much to do - the Ring of Beara is famed for its beauty and just a few of its many attractions include Dursey Cable Car and Dursey Island, Bere Island, the colourful villages of Eyeries and Allihies, Allihies Coppermine Museum, Mill Cove Art Gallery and Sculpture Gardens and the Sarah Walker Gallery. Then, of course, there are masses of outdoor activities to enjoy - and the wonderful MacCarthy's Bar (world famous but still just itself) is just a five minute walk away, in the centre of Castletownbere.
This is a magical part of the country, and of the world, and it's great to have a busy, vibrant hotel thriving in the town. The Beara Coast Hotel is a great asset to the area and its success is well deserved.
