Main pic: Paul and Brenda O’Donnell with their children, Cillian, Charley and Maggie and, inset, with new Blue Haven General Manager, Eamonn Gillespie.

One of Donegal’s most iconic seaside hotels has received a major boost after coming under the new ownership of a popular local couple this week.

Paul and Brenda O’Donnell, who divide their time between London and Kilcar, confirmed they have taken charge of The Blue Haven. They have also unveiled the highly regarded Eamonn Gillespie as their General Manager. The 15-bedroom hotel, between Kilcar and Killybegs, comes with a bar, restaurant and a function room with breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean. 

Paul and Brenda O’Donnell at The Blue Haven this week with their children, Cillian, Charley and Maggie.

Currently open at weekends only and employing 18 part-time staff, the new owners plan to open full-time by Easter, increase bedroom capacity and create permanent jobs.

The O’Donnells also aim to establish The Blue Haven as one of Ireland’s premier wedding venues.

A son of Paddy and the late Mary B, Paul O’Donnell is a native of nearby Crove, while Brenda is from Bruckless. Mr O’Donnell is a major sponsor of Donegal GAA through his UK-based transport infrastructure firm, POD-Trak. Now employing over 500 people, the company has been operating across the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe since 2007.

However, he told Donegal Daily this week, he always wanted to invest in his local community, guaranteeing long-term employment in the process. 

“I had always hoped that one day we would be able to invest in the local area, and with The Blue Haven, this has become possible,” he said.

“This place always has been and is such a part of the fabric of our parish and county.”

The hotel was purchased from well-known Ardara couple Terence and Angela Molloy.

“Terence and Angela had made some great changes to the venue down the years and felt it was time to move on, but not before they done a magnificent refurbishment of the ballroom which is already taking bookings for early 2026 and beyond,” Mr O’Donnell added.

Paul and Breda O’Donnell with The Blue Haven’s new General Manager, Eamonn Gillespie.

Paul and Brenda are full of enthusiasm for the project and they have very exciting plans to develop the venue further. They have also appointed well known local man, Eamonn Gillespie, as their new General Manager. 

“Along with us, Eamonn will hit the ground running with incredible ideas, foremost being the re-establishing of The Blue Haven as the place to visit and enjoy its many delights,” Mr O’Donnell said. 

“The response from the community has been enormous and they are excited to welcome back Eamonn to run their unique local”. 

A gala opening to showcase the new Blue Haven will happen in early 2026. Brenda O’Donnell said there is a genuine affection for the hotel within the community.

“There is a genuine affection for the Blue Haven and I have been so delighted that so many people have been in touch to wish us well”.

“We just need to make sure that what we create will enhance and draw in both business, tourists and locals, including employment, to this beautiful part of Donegal”. 

Paul and Brenda wanted to particularly thank Terence and Angela Molloy and their family for all their help during, and since, the sale. They also want to thank the many locals and the current staff who have been so welcoming and encouraging “regarding the great work and project ahead”.

For further information, go to www.bluehaven.ie

Major boost for south west Donegal as local couple buy iconic hotel was last modified: December 18th, 2025 by Cronan Scanlon

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