KINSALE hospitality group has been rebranded as The Kinsale Collective as it enters a new phase.

Formerly the Blue Haven Collection, the group which operates a portfolio of hotels across West Cork has evolved following the €10m-plus buyout by managing director Ciaran Fitzgerald.

The new brand comprises The Blue Haven Hotel, The Old Bank Townhouse, Hamlets Bar and Michelin Guide–recognised Rare Restaurant in Kinsale; The Schull Harbour Hotel and Deep Blue Leisure Centre in Schull, along with Kiely’s in Cork city.

In February Fitzgerald assured there would be no job losses at the group after a provisional liquidator, John Healy of Kroll Advisory, was appointed.

He took High Court action regarding two companies which had provided management services to the hotels in the past, assuring that they would continue to operate as normal and were preparing for the season ahead.

Announcing the rebranding the Kinsale native said: ‘This marks an important step forward for the business. The Kinsale Collective reflects how we are now operating — as a group of distinct properties with a shared vision and clear direction for the future.

‘We’re focused on building on the strength of what’s already here while continuing to evolve and grow the business in a considered way.’

Fitzgerald, who has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, began his career with KPMG as a Chartered Accountant and has since held a number of senior leadership roles within the industry.

These include former chair of Cork IHF (Irish Hotels Federation), and he currently represents the Cork branch at the national council level. He also recently chaired both the Food Tourism Group for West Cork and the Culinary Coast, and the Kinsale Chamber of Commerce.

As part of this next phase and to deliver this vision for the business, the group has made a number of key senior appointments, including the recent arrival of director of sales and marketing, Dan Sweeney, formerly marketing director with Cliste Hospitality, with some exciting new appointments on the horizon.

Fitzgerald added: ‘A key priority for us is investing in our team. These recent appointments are an important part of that — ensuring we have the right people in place to deliver on our ambition and continue to strengthen the business across all areas.’

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