Mayo archives: Imperial Hotel was put up for sale in 1962
By Tom Gillespie
THERE has been much speculation as to the future of the historic, but now near derelict, Imperial Hotel in Castlebar.
It was in that building in which Michael Davitt and Connaught Telegraph proprietor James Daly founded the Land League on October 21, 1879.
The property was purchased some years ago by Mayo County Council but has lain vacant ever since.
However, in the edition of The Connaught Telegraph of February 3,1962, the hotel was put up for sale by Patrick. J. Durcan, solicitor, Castlebar, and Fitzpatrick & Tuohy, M.I.A.A., auctioneers, Ballintubber and Claremorris.
The ‘For Sale’ advertisement in The Connaught Telegraph read: The Imperial Hotel, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, is one of the leading commercial and tourist hotels in the west.
The premises, the ad stated, are situated in a commanding position on The Mall, they are in perfect structural and decorative order throughout and they enjoy a pre-eminent position in the commercial and social life of the west. A.A., R.I.A.C., and KEY appointments.
Castlebar is one of the leading provincial towns in Ireland. There are government and local government offices, extensive factories, hospitals and institutions located there. It is a gateway to the western tourist areas and in the centre of the best fishing district, being within easy distance of the great fishing lakes - Conn, Carra, Mask and Corrib - and with finest sea fishing at Clew Bay.
The premises briefly comprise: dining room to seat 80 people, commercial room, modern lounge bar, two lounges, residents’ drawing room, coffee room, two reception rooms, billiard room, private setting room, breakfast room, 42 bedrooms (including staff rooms all with h. and c.), six bathrooms, modern kitchen, wine and spirit cellar, cold room, pantry, laundry and scullery, large yard with garages, stores and stables; also garden with greenhouse.
The property is held free rent, P.L.V.: £112/5/0.
Having regard to the situation and excellent state of repair of these premises, and of the ever-increasing opportunities by way of tourism, this property is recommended with the most complete confidence to prospective buyers.
The purchaser will be given the option of taking the furniture, equipment and effects as a valuation.
Seen only by appointment with the undersigned, from whom, further particulars may be obtained.
The hotel was then purchased by Paddy and Mary Jennings of the Travellers Friend Hotel in the town.