Our Story
O’Donoghue Ring Collection
Our Heritage
A Family Legacy in the Heart of Kerry
The O’Donoghue Ring Collection is a family-owned hospitality group rooted in the heart of County Kerry. Encompassing hotels, bars and restaurants, each property offers a unique experience, united by a shared commitment to warm, intuitive service and the renowned Kerry welcome.
Surrounded by majestic mountains, pristine lakes of Killarney, and rugged coastlines, the O’Donoghue Ring Collection blends urban comfort with natural beauty – delivering memorable experiences that linger long after departure.
Today, the Collection proudly continues under the leadership of Gemma Ring, who brings a fresh vision while upholding the family’s deep-rooted commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community connection.
Origins
From East Avenue to a Thriving Collection
In 1978, Michael O’Donoghue and Donal Ring purchased a modest property that would soon become the East Avenue Hotel. With just 16 rooms and a function space, it quickly earned a loyal local following. By 1988, the hotel had evolved into the Killarney Avenue Hotel, now featuring 66 rooms, Druids Restaurant, and The Kenmare Rooms, a lively bar with traditional Irish music. Killarney Avenue is a country house style property in the heart of Killarney, celebrating community and tradition.
In 1989, the family acquired the Imperial Hotel on College Street. A year later, the site was transformed into the now Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisue Centre, constructed in just 100 days. Alongside it came the ever-popular O’Donoghue Public House and Scruffy’s Bar.
Further growth followed:
1992: Expansion of the Towers to 182 rooms
1994: Opening of the River Island Hotel in Castleisland
1998–2002: Transformation of the Three Lakes Hotel into Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa
Launch of Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa
A Flagship Destination
Since opening in 2002, Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa has stood as the flagship property of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection. Offering 198 elegant rooms, an award-winning spa and wellness centre, and four exceptional dining venues including:
- Café du Parc – Opened in 2002, reimagined in 2017 with a European-inspired brunch and DJ vibe
- The Tan Yard – opened in 2002 and relaunched in 2018 as a premium, casual dining destination
- Le Grand Pey – refined dining with timeless appeal
- The Piano Bar – classic elegance in the heart of the hotel
About Us & Our Values
Leading the Way in Responsible Hospitality
The Collection is focused on a sustainable future and taking steps to improve operations through forward-thinking initiatives. These include:
- Killarney Urban Farm (2021): Ireland’s first hydroponic farm linked to a hospitality group – supplying fresh, sustainable produce to our kitchens.
- O’Donoghue Public House Renovation (2021): A return to authentic Irish pub roots, reimagined for today’s guest.
- Pigs Lane (2023): Killarney’s first underground pub, opened. A blend of speakeasy cool and modern style
- Energy Efficiency: We have implemented energy-saving measures such as Led lighting and advanced energy management systems throughout our properties.
- Waste Reduction: We are actively working to reduce waste through comprehensive recycling programs and by minimising single use plastics.
- Local Sourcing We prioritise sourcing local and seasonal ingredients from Kerry and Irish suppliers to support the local economy and reduce transportation emissions.
Great Places to Work. Great Places to Stay.
At the heart of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection is its people. Every guest’s experience is shaped by a team that values warmth, creativity, and genuine connection.
We are proud to be recognised as:
- Great Place to Work®
- One of Ireland’s Top 20 Best Large Workplaces
- Top 24 Best Workplace for Women in Ireland
- These certifications reflect a culture where:
- People feel valued, heard, and supported
- Women thrive and lead at all levels withing the O’Donoghue Ring Collection
- Inclusion, wellbeing, and opportunities for career progression are integral to our ethos
Our food philosophy at the family owned and operated O’Donoghue Ring Collection is simple; create the highest quality dishes with flavours of Kerry. We offer a wide choice of options for dining in Killarney with a host of restaurants and bars across the collection. We aim to showcase authentic Irish flavours by using the freshest locally sourced ingredients, including those grown in our own Urban Farm.
– Diversity & Inclusion initiatives
– Learning & Development opportunities and internships
– Team wellness program and spa access, including a 6 week summer wellness program and celebratory 5k family fun run
– A dynamic internal platform connecting and celebrating our people
People are at the heart of hospitality, and that extends beyond our hotel doors. The Collection proudly supports:
– Local charities
– Youth initiatives
– Sports teams and clubs
– Cultural festivals and town-wide events
The Collection’s crest, unveiled in 2021, is a visual tribute to our story:
– Fox: Perseverance (O’Donoghue family)
– Moon: Hope and vision (Ring family)
– Eagle: Strength and pride in Killarney
– Blue & Bronze: The colours of the surrounding landscape
Forward Focussed
Ever with an eye on the horizon, the O’Donoghue Ring Collection remains grounded in tradition, energised by innovation, and deeply connected to our land, people, and purpose.
We look forward to sharing the spirit of Killarney with you at our hotels, restaurants, bars and pubs as we invite you to become part of our story.
