ENNIS’ Madden family have sold the four-star Temple Gate Hotel to the owners of the Shannon Springs Hotel.
In what came as a major surprise within the hospitality industry in the county, the sale of The Temple Gate Hotel by the Madden family has been confirmed. Their eminent association with the hotel industry in Clare comes to an end with the sale of the four star hotel located within the heart of Ennis town centre.
Staff and services will be retained as part of the transition as the seventy bedroom hotel, bar and restaurant comes under new ownership.
Founded by John Madden in 1996, hotel operations have been overseen by his son Paul for more than twenty years.
“It’s a success story of which we are incredibly proud,” said Paul. “My father John lived and breathed the hospitality industry in every moment of every day of his working life. However, now is the time that feels right for us to sell our business and I personally look forward to the new and exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Our hope is that under new ownership, the Temple Gate Hotel will begin a bright new chapter in its continuing story”.
He added, “The loyal, friendly and committed staff of the Temple Gate is central to the hotel’s unique identity. Their professionalism and kindness continue to draw favourable comment from guests, tour operators, food & beverage customers, community and sports groups. We will always be grateful to them and I am confident that our new owners feel the same”.
Managerial experience in the hospitality trade for John began in the Lynch-owned, West County Hotel before realising a dream to start his own, family-run hotel business in 1996 at the site of the Old Convent of Mercy in Ennis. John and his wife Vera navigated a complex design and interior fit-out with developer Egan O’Connor, mindful of retaining the gothic theme of the original building.
John recalled, “The decision to open our own hotel in the centre of Ennis was a mighty leap of faith for the Madden family. Over almost 30 years, the Temple Gate became very successful in spite of the Celtic Tiger crash, economic uncertainties and more recently Covid. These hammer blows could have ended the story, but we survived and thrived in no small part due to the dedication and hard work of our team, our loyal customer base and Paul’s leadership qualities”.
Kelvin Hotels Ltd has acquired The Temple Gate Hotel. They are comprised of two well-known hoteliers, Dermot Kelly and John Gavin, the owners/directors of the Shannon Springs Hotel. Ironically, Dermot is a native of Ruan as is Gerry O’Connor who was one of the key developers in building the hotel almost three decades ago.
The duo said, “We are hands-on, experienced hoteliers. We recognise and value the culture and ethos of the Temple Gate Hotel, which has been nurtured so carefully by the Madden family over the years. The Temple Gate Hotel has deep roots in the Clare community, which we intend to serve to the best of our ability in the years ahead”.
