Park Hotel Kenmare has appointed Grace O’Connor as General Manager of the Relais & Châteaux property in County Kerry. O’Connor brings over 15 years of international luxury hotel experience spanning Ireland, the US, Canada, and Australia.
Originally from Tullamore, County Offaly, O’Connor studied Hotel and Catering Management at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (now ATU). She began her career at The Brehon Hotel in Killarney and worked at The Shelbourne before embarking on an international career spanning Edinburgh, Paris, Washington D.C., and Vancouver.
Most recently, O’Connor spent five years managing InterContinental Sydney, a flagship property with over 500 rooms located at Circular Quay opposite the Sydney Opera House. This experience overseeing large-scale luxury operations provided contrast to her current role at the 46-room boutique property.
O’Connor’s appointment comes as Park Hotel Kenmare undergoes property enhancements under owners Bryan and Tara Meehan, who acquired the hotel in 2023 from brothers John and Francis Brennan. The Meehans have introduced contemporary art collections, including works by Sean Scully, alongside infrastructure improvements including ongoing renovations to 20 rooms and the SÁMAS spa facilities.
Since joining, O’Connor has implemented guest experience enhancements including complimentary minibars in all suites and the Dogs at the Park initiative welcoming canine guests. She has also launched Music at the Park, a cultural programme featuring Irish artists including Liam Ó Maonlaí, Scullion, Philip King of Other Voices, and Sorcha Richardson.
The appointment coincides with significant recognition for the property. Last month, Park Hotel Kenmare ranked seventh in the Europe/Ireland category of the Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. One week later, the hotel received two Michelin Keys at a ceremony in Paris, placing it amongst 139 distinguished properties across Ireland and the UK recognised by Michelin’s inaugural hotel awards programme.
Michelin described Park Hotel Kenmare as “neither a modern experiment nor a strict period piece, but something altogether timeless,” praising its blend of Victorian heritage with contemporary luxury. The two-Key designation recognises hotels that “transcend the ordinary” through exceptional service, facilities, and guest experience.
O’Connor’s leadership philosophy emphasises collaborative management and team development. She cites international experience as formative, particularly Irish hospitality traditions alongside Australian sophistication and North American operational standards. Her management approach prioritises transparency, team inspiration, and adaptability over hierarchical decision-making.
Park Hotel Kenmare occupies 11 acres overlooking Kenmare Bay with views of the Caha Mountains. Dating from 1897, the Victorian property was originally constructed as a railway hotel for travellers exploring southwest Ireland. The hotel features individually decorated rooms and suites, the Landline restaurant emphasising Irish produce, and extensive wellness facilities including the SÁMAS spa with thermal baths.
The property maintains Relais & Châteaux membership, positioning it within an association of independent luxury hotels emphasising personal service and cultural authenticity. This affiliation complements Kenmare’s status as a heritage town and gateway to the Ring of Beara and Wild Atlantic Way touring routes.
O’Connor’s appointment includes oversight of ongoing property renovations scheduled during off-season periods to minimise guest impact. Current projects focus on room refurbishment and spa expansion, balancing heritage preservation with contemporary comfort expectations for luxury travellers.
Hotel owner Bryan Meehan commented on O’Connor’s appointment, noting her focus on thoughtful details and cultural programming reflects commitment to creating memorable guest experiences. He highlighted her initiatives including complimentary suite amenities, pet-friendly policies, and the Music at the Park series as examples of enhanced hospitality offering.
Park Hotel Kenmare also recently appointed Elaine O’Halloran as Director of Sales and Marketing. O’Halloran brings over a decade of experience from Ireland’s five-star hotel sector, including roles at Castlemartyr Resort, the College Green Hotel (formerly The Westin), and The Dylan. Her commercial strategy background complements O’Connor’s operational leadership.
The dual appointments position Park Hotel Kenmare for continued development under the Meehans’ ownership, combining O’Connor’s international luxury operations expertise with O’Halloran’s domestic market knowledge and commercial acumen.
