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A Legacy of Warmth and Welcome

Celebrating 40
years in business

In 2026, we’re celebrating a milestone that means a great deal to everyone across McKeever Hotels: 40 years in business. What began as a bold family leap of faith has
grown into a collection of hotels known for warmth, care, and genuinely great service.

About McKeever Meet the Team
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History & Achievements

The story of McKeever Hotels begins not with a hotel, but with a chef. What followed has been more than four decades of entrepreneurship, resilience and steady growth, built on family values and a belief in doing business the right way. Over that time, McKeever Hotels has built a reputation for quality, consistency and continuous improvement. From acquiring and redeveloping properties to expanding into new locations across Northern Ireland and Ireland, the group’s growth reflects careful investment and long-term vision. Throughout its journey, the company has received industry recognition for service excellence, sustainability initiatives and community engagement. Each milestone represents not just expansion, but a continued commitment to raising standards while remaining proudly independent and family-run.

  • Eugene McKeever becomes Head Chef at Corr’s Corner, a well-known roadhouse in Newtownabbey, beginning his journey in hospitality.
  • Eugene and Catherine McKeever open their first restaurant, Granagh House in Randalstown, marking their first step into ownership.
  • Partnering with Eugene’s brother Gerry McKeever, they open The Wild Duck in Portglenone, continuing to grow their restaurant portfolio.
  • The family purchases Corr’s Corner, with Eugene returning seven years after leaving as Head Chef, this time as owner.
  • An additional 30 bedrooms are built at Corr’s Corner, transforming the business from restaurant operators into hoteliers.
  • The Dunsilly Arms, a small pub at the Dunsilly roundabout, is acquired as part of the group’s growing vision.
  • The Balmoral Hotel on Blacks Road is purchased, further expanding the group’s footprint.
  • McKeever Hotels is formally incorporated as a limited company. The Dunsilly Arms site is redeveloped and opens as the new Dunsilly Hotel, representing a major investment in purpose-built hospitality.
  • Following the redevelopment of the former Dunsilly Arms site, Dunsilly Hotel officially opens as a purpose-built 40-bedroom hotel with eight conference suites.In the same year, the Balmoral Hotel is sold as the group refocuses on its long-term strategic portfolio.
  • A major expansion at Corr’s Corner Hotel adds 38 additional bedrooms and a new function room. This development effectively shapes the Corr’s Corner Hotel as it stands today, significantly increasing capacity and event capability.

  • Achievements

    Eugene McKeever awarded Newtownabbey Business Person of the Year (for the second time in four years).

  • Achievements

    Eugene McKeever appointed President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation after 10 years of board service.
  • During the global financial crisis, the group acquires and refurbishes Adair Arms Hotel, becoming the only hotelier in Northern Ireland to purchase a hotel that year - a strong statement of confidence in the sector.
  • Eugene McKeever is awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for Services to Hospitality and Tourism, recognising decades of contribution to the industry.

    Achievements

    Eugene McKeever awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for Services to Hospitality & Tourism in Northern Ireland.
  • The acquisition and refurbishment of Dillons Hotel establishes the group as a cross-border hotel company, expanding into Donegal.
  • The purchase and £5 million redevelopment of Dunadry Hotel and Gardens adds a distinctive riverside property to the portfolio, blending heritage character with modern investment.

  • Achievements

    Eugene McKeever receives the Licensed & Catering News Lifetime Achievement Award.

  • Achievements

    Corr’s Corner Hotel named one of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 Businesses by Hospitality Ulster. Dunadry Hotel and Gardens awarded China Ready & Accredited status.
  • All hotels temporarily close during the COVID-19 pandemic - one of the most challenging periods in the group’s history - demonstrating resilience and long-term commitment to recovery.

  • Achievements

    Dunadry Hotel and Gardens receives an AA Rosette for its restaurant.

  • Achievements

    Eddie McKeever appointed President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation.McKeever Hotels wins Employer of the Year at the NI Family Business Awards.
  • Eugene McKeever MBE transitions to the role of Chairman. Eddie McKeever succeeds him as Managing Director, marking the next generation of leadership within the family.

    Achievements

    McKeever Hotels highly commended as Hospitality Business of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Awards.
  • The group acquires The Lodge Hotel, strengthening its presence along the Causeway Coast.

    Achievements

    McKeever Hotels wins the Tourism Industry Award at the Northern Ireland Travel & Tourism Awards. Eugene McKeever receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the AIB Business Eye Awards. McKeever Hotels highly commended in the Family Business category.
  • McKeever Hotels expands further with the acquisition of Armagh City Hotel, a key venue in Ireland’s oldest city, reinforcing its strategic footprint across Northern Ireland and Ireland.
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Eugene McKeever, Chairman

Our dedication to growth, community involvement, and sustainability continues to drive us forward, ensuring McKeever Hotels remains a leader in hospitality.

McKeever Collection

What began as one small hospitality venue has grown into McKeever Hotels, a collection of seven hotels across Northern Ireland and Ireland. Each property has its own character, but all share the same values: warm service, quality, and genuine family-led hospitality. Whether for a short break, a wedding, corporate event, or a great meal, McKeever Hotels offers experiences you can trust.