County Tyrone Hotel Steps Up To Tourism Challenge

A 17th-century hotel building in County Tyrone is set to get a £1.4m overhaul.

Corick House in Clogher valley will add a new spa and more than double its capacity.

Plans for 24 double en-suite bedrooms will bring the hotel’s total to 43 rooms in an expansion supported by £230,000 from Invest NI.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster hoped the work would meet increased needs for beds as the Northern Ireland tourism industry grows.

She said: "With visitor numbers expected to increase sharply this year as a result of the Our Time Our Place programme of events, local tourism businesses have the opportunity to step up to the mark. The assistance offered by Invest NI means this expansion will be able to go ahead quickly, delivering high quality facilities in an area where there is increased market demand."

The investment is expected to create seven new jobs at the hotel, which currently employs 25, as well as generating work for tradesmen during the construction phase.

Avril Robson, who manages the hotel with her two brothers, said: "Our main objective is to realise the full commercial potential of Corick House. Invest NI’s assistance will help us to quickly progress this project and provide much needed facilities in this beautiful rural area of Northern Ireland."

Corick House was voted by brides as the Best Wedding Venue in Northern Ireland last year in the Getting Married in Northern Ireland magazine.

(NE)