In the 1950’s, the late PJ Lenihan father of Mary O’ Rourke and the late Brian Lenihan Sr. and grandfather of the late Brian Lenihan Jr. (Minister for Finance 2008-11) purchased the building at Hodson Bay and opened a hotel, thus the Hodson Bay Hotel was born.
Our Story
The Hodson Bay Group is a prominent Irish hotel group known for its collection of four-star hotels across Ireland. Founded by John O’Sullivan, the group has expanded over the years to include several notable properties. We have a passion for pursuing excellence and take great pride in providing the highest level of standards to all our customers consistently. Throughout its history, the Hodson Bay Group has demonstrated a commitment to growth, sustainability, and excellence in the Irish hospitality industry.
A Timeline of Hodson Bay Group
1950
1950 - Lenihan Family Purchase Hodson Bay
Hodson Bay Hotel 1950
1953
1953 - A Visit from the Taoiseach
Former Taoiseach Seán Lemass visited Hodson Bay Hotel and was photographed with owner P.J. Lenihan.
1990
1990 - O'Sullivan Family Purchase Hodson Bay
In 1990, the O’Sullivan family acquired the property and commenced the development of Hodson Bay Hotel. In addition Hodson Bay Resort, including the shoreline, marina and public realm was developed as part of a public/private partnership with Roscommon County Council.
1992
1992 - Hodson Bay Hotel Opens
In 1992, the O’Sullivan family opened the Hodson Bay Hotel with 46 bedrooms and new conference & banqueting and wedding facilities.
1995
1995 - Additional Development of Hotel Facilities
An additional 54 bedrooms were added along with further meeting room and dining facilities to what was now the popular Hodson Bay Hotel.
1996 - Galway Green Field Site Acquired
A green field site was acquired in Galway’s famous Salthill promenade in 1996. This site was developed into a 153 bedrooms hotel with extensive dining, conference and banqueting facilities.
1998
1998 - Galway Bay Hotel Opens
Galway Bay Hotel opened in 1998, offering 153 bedrooms. Located on Salthill’s Promenade, it has become a leading four-star leisure, conferencing, and wedding resort.
2000
2000 - Manor Mills Development
In 2000, site acquisition and mixed use development took place of the old Kavanagh’s Mill site in the centre of Maynooth’s University Town, Co Kildare. The development included circa 35,000 m2 comprising of more than 10,000 m2 retail space, gym, offices, creche, underground car parking and 190 apartments.
2000
2000 - Hodson Bay Hotel Expands Again
Additional bedrooms were added to Hodson Bay Hotel in the year 2000 along with further dining facilities and the solstice lounge area
2002
2002 - Athlone Town Centre Development Begins
The development comprises of an 8-acre site to include 167 bedroom hotel, shopping mall and a covered square with 70 retail units, restaurants, office accommodation and 150 residential units and 1,400 carparking spaces. Hodson Bay Group carried out this mixed use development in conjunction with Athlone Town Council.
2005
2005 - The Retreat at Hodson Bay Opens
In 2005, the Retreat at Hodson Bay, a luxury four-star, adults-only wing, was added to the Hodson Bay Hotel. It introduced 53 new bedrooms, a state of the art leisure centre and a world-class spa.
2008
2008 - Sheraton Athlone Hotel Opens
Ireland's Only Sheraton
The group opened the Sheraton Athlone Hotel, a 12-storey tower building with a Marriott franchise brand. The hotel features 167 bedrooms, a modern restaurant and bar, a custom-designed conference centre, event spaces, a contemporary spa and a leisure centre.
2011
2007 - 2011 - Operation of Athlone Town Centre
From 2007 – 2011 Hodson Bay Group launched and operated Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre containing leading brands such as Marks and Spencer, Zara, H&M, Next, Tommy Hilfiger, Easons, TK Maxx, Starbucks and Cityquarter apartments.
2019
2019 - Hyatt Centric Dublin Opens
Ireland's First Hyatt
Having acquired a suitable site in Dublin, the group developed and opened the Hyatt Centric Hotel on Dean Street, the Liberties in October 2019. This 234-bedroom hotel marked the first Irish establishment for the Chicago-based Hyatt chain. The franchise partnership was formed after Hyatt recognised the group’s values and operational excellence. It remains the only Hyatt Centric part of the global brand in Ireland.
2021
2021 - Yew Point at Hodson Bay
In 2021, the group acquired a 145-acre peninsula known as Yewpoint on the shores of Lough Ree. This acquisition included two small islands, Horse Island and Robin Island. The group is currently developing an eco-tourism facility on this land, aiming to create Ireland’s top eco-tourism resort. This will consist of 36 eco-cabins situated on a pristine 145-acre peninsula on Lough Ree featuring untouched meadowland and ancient woodland.
2025
2025 - YewPoint Eco Resort
Yew Point Eco Resort, set to launch in 2025, will offer a unique blend of luxury and sustainability, providing an exceptional retreat where world-class amenities and bespoke experiences are paired with environmental preservation. Guests will enjoy luxurious accommodation, spa treatments, wholesome dining, and cultural explorations, all while being encouraged to reflect on sustainable practices.