The family-owned McKeever Hotels group is kicking off a year-long series of events to mark the 40th anniversary of its founding.
A range of celebratory events and activities are planned, including a gala dinner, volunteer opportunities for staff, special promotions and theme days.
And customers and those who have a special connection to its chain of hotels are being invited to be part of the milestone year by sharing their stories, photographs and videos, with the material being collated, documented and displayed in a special McKeever ‘memory lane’.
It was a humble start for the business in 1986 when, after acquiring formal qualifications in hospitality and business while he worked in the kitchen at Corr’s Corner (which he’d done from the age of 12), Eugene McKeever bought Granagh House in Randalstown
He and his wife Catherine then returned in 1993 to buy Corr’s Corner and transformed it into a full-service hotel in 1997.
Eugene McKeever and Catherine in his early days in the kitchen at Corr’s Corner
Today, McKeever Hotels has seven distinctive properties, with six in the north (Dunadry Hotel & Gardens, Dunsilly, Corr’s Corner, Adair Arms, Lodge Hotel and Armagh City Hotel) and also the four-star Dillons Hotel in Letterkenny.
Its combined room capacity is 480 rooms, but the group aims to increase occupancy levels by 10% through a combination of competitive pricing, improved guest experience and a new central reservations system which will become a central hub for all bookings, enabling smarter pricing, improved profitability and enhanced guest loyalty.
The group – now led by Eugene and Catherine’s son Eddie and daughter Bridgene – has set out ambitious plans to expand further into the Republic and to also explore opportunities in Scotland as part of an ambitious ‘Beyond Now’ five-year strategy.
It has also targeted sales of £45 million by 2030, by which time it also envisages staff numbers growing from their currently levels of around 400 people to 600.
“We’re always focused on the future and how we build and develop our business model,” said Eugene, who was awarded an MBE in 2014 for his services to hospitality & tourism for Northern Ireland.
“But we can’t do so without reflecting on our past, and this 40th milestone simply wouldn’t have been achieved without the dedication and commitment of our best-in-class team, as well as the trust and support of our guests, partners and the communities where we are based.”
To launch its 40th anniversary programme the McKeevers have captured their story in a video, which explains their journey and their passion for hospitality.
In recognition of their customers’ support, the group is also calling for those who have a special connection to the hotels to share their stories, photographs and videos, with the material being collated, documented and displayed in a McKeever Memory Lane.
“Our hotels are all about people, community and connections,” said Catherine McKeever, chair of community and social engagement.
“We support people on some of the most important days of their lives, from weddings and christenings to anniversaries and funerals.
“We’ve always strived to make these experiences as warm, secure and memorable as possible and our 40th creates the opportunity to recognise this and ensure our local communities continue to be actively involved in our celebrations.”
A newspaper clipping from when Eugene McKeever ran Granagh House in Randalstown (Gary)
Robin Swann MP for South Antrim has marked the anniversary by submitting an Early Day Motion to the House of Commons to ensure the McKeever’s success is formally recorded.
He said: “Reaching four decades of excellence within the Northern Ireland hospitality sector is an excellent achievement and a testament to your vision, hard work and entrepreneurship. I wish you all continued success and growth for the future.”
While reflective of the past, Eugene McKeever is determined this milestone also establishes a firm platform for the future.
He said: “Our ‘We Do More’ ethos continues to shape our business and our strategic thinking. 2026 is the perfect opportunity to take a breath and recognise all who have helped us reach our goals so far.
Eugene and Catherine McKeever in their early days running Corr’s Corner
“But it is also an important pivot, bolstering our ambitions and shaping our forward direction. We’re very excited by what the future holds.”
Customers and guests who would like to be part of the McKeever Memory Lane are asked to forward photographs and videos to marketing@mckeeverhotelgroup.com. A number of exclusive prizes will be awarded to those which best capture 40 years of great hospitality.