Mark and Joseph Scott-Lennon, directors of Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel have announced the acquisition of The Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge. This is the first Irish Fitzpatrick Hotel in over 20 years and marks a significant milestone in the history of both establishments, uniting one of Ireland’s oldest hospitality families with the country’s oldest hotel. The Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge becomes the second property in the newly named Fitzpatrick Hotel Collection, which aims to expand further in the coming years.
Located in the heart of Wicklow, in the scenic Vale of Avoca, Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge is the oldest hotel in Ireland and has hosted many notable guests, including Éamon de Valera, Michael Collins and Daniel O’Connell since it was established in 1608.
Overlooking the Woodenbridge Golf Club and the Aughrim River, the Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge features a total of 69 bedrooms. The property includes a function room accommodating up to 200 people, a private dining area for up to 50 people, and a bistro bar area that serves up to 150 people. Guests can also enjoy the scenic riverside walk and dine at the Smokehouse restaurant with outdoor seating
Commenting on the acquisition, Mark Scott-Lennon, said,: “We are delighted to welcome Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge into our family. Our goal is to honour the rich history of the hotel, while bringing the Fitzpatrick family commitment to exceptional service and hospitality. We are excited to build on the hotel’s legacy and create new traditions that reflect our values and vision for excellence.”
Joseph Scott-Lennon added, “We are excited to embark on this new chapter and look forward to welcoming guests to experience the unique charm and warm hospitality that both Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, and Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge are known for. We would like to thank Gerard O’Brien and his family for their stewardship of Woodenbridge and wish them every success in the future.”
Woodenbridge is also the ideal destination for golfers, with ample parkland and 11 links courses all within a short distance. In 2024, the hotel received the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award for the 9th consecutive year.
Also commenting on the acquisition, previous owner of Woodenbridge, Gerard O’Brien, said: “We want to thank everyone connected with the hotel over the past 31 years, particularly our great team and our many loyal customers. The Fitzpatrick family has built its reputation on strong family values which very much reflect our own and it’s with great pride that we pass on the keys to them today. We’re delighted that they recognised both the quality of our offering and the clear synergies between our hotels, ensuring The Woodenbridge becomes a natural extension of the Fitzpatrick family.”
For more information please visit, www.fitzpatrickcastle.com and www.woodenbridgehotel.com.
