New look Adair Arms officially opened

THE new look Adair Arms, the historic hotel in the heart of Ballymena was officially opened this morning.

Eugene and Catherine McKeever, owners of the Hotel which is part of the McKeever Hotel Group, invited the Mayor of Ballymena, Councillor Hubert Nicholl, Mrs Diane Poole O.B.E. Chair of the Causeway Coast and Glens and many guests from Ballymena and surrounding areas to a special breakfast to mark the occasion.

The renovations and refurbishments have taken 18 months at a cost of £2M and have not only secured the jobs of the existing staff, but will create an additional 10 jobs in the next twelve months.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Since 1846, the Adair Arms Hotel has proudly stood in the centre of the popular and busy town of Ballymena. The hotel was originally built by Sir Robert Adair and was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, who was responsible for many well known buildings in Northern Ireland, such as the prestigious Queen’s University in Belfast, the Crumlin Road Courthouse and Gaol, the Union Theological College in Botanic Avenue and the Palm House in Botanic Gardens, Belfast

Throughout the process, local designers, planners and builders have been used to help sensitively redevelop the hotel, retaining the original charm of the beautifully gabled façade constructed in basalt and Dungannon sandstone. Many modern conveniences have been added, including a magnificent 200 seater banqueting suite and conference room, newly designed bedrooms, each of which are unique and emphasise the character of the original building. A new entrance, reception, lift, staircase and grill bar have also been added.

But the characteristics and comfort of a family run hotel still prevail. From the Adair family, the original owners to the McKeever family, the current owners, the attention to detail and personal service can be experienced throughout every aspect of the hotel, from the reception to the relaxing bedrooms. The lobby, bar and grill areas, which incorporate lots of stonework, cosy booths, sumptuous carpeting and beautiful lighting now offers customers an extensive selection from light snacks to main meals all day, every day.

There is no doubt that the Adair Arms Hotel will continue to play an important role in the proud history of Ballymena for many years to come.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking at the official launch Eugene McKeever said, “We are extremely pleased with the work done to the hotel and proud that it will continue to play an important part in the life of Ballymena. The beautiful façade, that so many people through the years are familiar with, will remain and the renovations mean that the hotel can continue to provide the people of Ballymena and visiting tourists and guests with a warm welcome and a enjoyable, comfortable and memorable visit.”

The Mayor of Ballymena, Councillor Hubert Nicholl commented, “It gives me great pleasure to be with you all this morning in the beautifully renovated Adair Arms Hotel, one of our family run businesses in the town and I would congratulate Eugene and Catherine McKeever on the magnificent job they have done”.

He continued, “Ballymena borough also has a strong, growing economic base and due to its proximity to air and sea ports offers a prime location for future business investment. The investment in the development of the Adair Arms helps strengthen our local economy, not only through job creation, but by improving the offering to the local community, businesses and visitors to the town.”

Diane Poole O.B.E., Chair of the Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism Partnership added, “It is my pleasure to congratulate Eugene and Catherine and everyone involved in the redevelopment of this beautiful hotel, which now offers an extremely high standard of accommodation in the region. We are committed to the positive development of our tourism offering in the Causeway Coast and Glens and at a time when Northern Ireland is in the spotlight for all the right reasons, with Titanic Belfast, the Causeway Visitors Centre and the Irish Open to name a few, the Adair Arms Hotel will play an important part in our tourism offering”.

Related topics: