Lisdoonvarna’s historic Royal Spa Hotel, a Co Clare landmark closely linked to decades of

Lisdoonvarna’s historic Royal Spa Hotel, a Co Clare landmark closely linked to decades of performances by singer-songwriter Christy Moore, is on the market at a guide price of €1.25 million. Sherry FitzGerald McMahon is handling the sale of the 12-bedroom property as a going concern after 46 years of ownership by the Doherty family.

Hotel Facilities Offer Potential for Additional Guest Bedrooms

The hotel spans 1,051 square meters and sits in the heart of the tourist town. The building includes a bar, cafe and dining facilities, an entertainment room with a capacity for 200 standing or 160 seated guests, an outdoor covered pergola, and a beer garden. The property also features 16 dedicated parking spaces at the rear and sits a short walk from a large public car park.

Selling agents note that the existing structure contains redundant rooms that could be converted into four to five additional en suite guest bedrooms, though this development may require planning permission. Property records trace the deeds back to 1832, and the structure is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage for its architectural and social significance.

Four Decades of Musical History

The Royal Spa Hotel gained recognition among music fans through its ties to Irish performers, most notably Christy Moore. Property records show the Doherty family took over the hotel in 1980 when it was in poor repair, subsequently restoring it while hosting artists including John Martyn, Dexys Midnight Runners, Stockton’s Wing, De Danann, Matt Molloy, Mick Hanly, Damien Dempsey, and Natalie Merchant.

Reflecting on his decades-long association with the venue, Christy Moore stated: “So many great memories garnered over 45 years since I first played a gig at the Royal Spa Hotel in Lisdoonvarna. Back then I was singing with the band Moving Hearts … it was a great night in a thronged hall. It was to be the first of numerous gigs played in that great venue.” Moore also noted that he rehearsed and performed there with Planxty, The Trad Outfit, and The Compañeros, and recorded songs including “Lisdoonvarna” and “Joxer” at the hotel. The venue notably hosted rehearsals for the original line-up of Planxty ahead of an intimate concert in October.

Future Plans for Lisdoonvarna

The hotel sale coincides with wider investments in Lisdoonvarna, which include plans to develop the local Spa Wells, the old Lynch’s building on the square, and the Hydro Hotel following recent changes in ownership. The Doherty family stated they decided to sell the property to look toward retirement after decades of running the hospitality business.