The History of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection

The foundations of  the O’Donoghue Ring Collection were laid in 1978 when Michael O’Donoghue and Donal Ring purchased the property that would become the East Avenue Hotel in Killarney.

Opening its doors in June of that year, the hotel featured just 16 bedrooms and a function room, but quickly became a vibrant gathering place for both locals and visitors. The East Avenue gained popularity as a wedding venue and became well known for its Friday night Ceilí dances, creating an atmosphere of music, community and celebration that would become synonymous with the family’s hospitality.

By 1988, growing demand led to a significant redevelopment of the original East Avenue property. The older structure was demolished and rebuilt, reopening in August as the Killarney Avenue Hotel, now offering 66 guestrooms.

Alongside the expanded accommodation, two much-loved dining venues were introduced: Druids Restaurant, offering a refined dining experience with both local and international influences, and The Kenmare Rooms, a traditional Irish bar known for its welcoming atmosphere and live music.

The vision for growth continued in 1990 with the construction of the Killarney Towers Hotel. In a remarkable achievement, 100 guestrooms were completed in just 100 days.

The hotel also introduced two popular venues: O’Donoghue Public House, a traditional Irish pub full of character, and Scruffy’s, a lively late-night venue.

In 1994, the O’Donoghue Ring Collection extended beyond Killarney with the opening of the River Island Hotel in Castleisland. Featuring 52 guestrooms, a spacious function suite and the Night Owls Nightclub, the hotel quickly became a central gathering place for the local community.

In 2017, the Plaza Bar at the Killarney Plaza was reimagined as Café du Parc, inspired by the café culture of Paris. The transformation introduced a lively social space known for brunch, creative cocktails and DJ sessions.

In 2021, the collection launched Killarney Urban Farm, Ireland’s first hospitality hydroponic urban farm. The initiative grows fresh produce used throughout the collection’s restaurants and bars, supporting sustainable sourcing.

In October 2023, the O’Donoghue Ring Collection introduced Pig’s Lane, Killarney’s first subterranean bar. Located beneath College Street, the venue blends speakeasy-style design with contemporary cocktails, live music and a dedicated whiskey parlour, creating a vibrant new social destination in the heart of Killarney.