Harrys has put kinnegad back on the map

Harry’s of Kinnegad has breathed new life into the town since its re-opening this time last year, according to its general manager.

The hotel was a hive of activity last Friday as it celebrated its official opening on the first anniversary of its actual opening.

Currently employing 45 people, many of them locals, general manager Alan Jenkins told the Westmeath Examiner that Harry’s has rejuvenated the centre of Kinnegad.

“When we re-opened life came back into the town – it’s just taken off again.

“The people from the west always stopped off at Harry’s on the way to Dublin and now they are doing it again.
“We have also had great local support. It’s become a real centre for the community.
“We had our first wedding recently too, a local couple.

“Johnny and Doreen Fitzgerald met on the night we re-opened and they had their wedding here recently. We’ve also had great support from local business such as Lagan Cement and Shane Murtagh Precast.”

Kinnegad’s population mushroomed during the Celtic Tiger years as many Dublin families moved to Westmeath after being priced out of the property market in the capital.

Harry’s 45 hotel rooms are full every Friday and Saturday night, Alan says, and many of the guests are relatives of Kinnegad’s new arrivals.

“People are flocking from Dublin at weekends. They are not only spending money here but in other local shops, bars and restaurants.

“Every business has had an uplift, all of the boats have been lifted by the rising tide.

“When this hotel was up for sale, one party wanted to turn it into nursing home – imagine the effect that would have had in the town.

“Harry’s is bringing life back into the town and putting Kinnegad back on the map again. Even bringing back name the name Harry’s was very important to people as it’s part of the identity of Kinnegad.”