FBD Hotels & Resorts has officially opened the Grand Hotel in Malahide, after completing the first phase of the refurbishment of its newest property.
In March 2025, FBD Hotels & Resorts acquired the iconic Grand Hotel Malahide for €55 million from the Ryan Family, the owners since 1974. Located in the heart of the picturesque coastal village of Malahide and boasting stunning sea views, The Grand has been embedded in the fabric of the local community for the past 190 years.
The Grand became the seventh property in the group’s portfolio and as with previous acquisitions, FBD Hotels & Resorts is investing €5m into upgrading the hotel over the next three years.
Over the past nine months, €2m has been invested across the ground floor hospitality areas to create a contemporary space that reflects the elegant vintage glamour of past eras balanced with contemporary style notes. FBD Hotels & Resorts marked this new era of grand hospitality with the official opening by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and a launch party held on Wednesday, 26th November 2025.
Designer Liz Harte has enhanced the old world charm of The Grand with rich jewel tones contrasted with modern furniture and accessories inspired by the Art Deco style of the 20’s and 30’s. Now The Marksman Bar, South Bank, Bianconi and the main lobby area have all been transformed to create welcoming relaxing spaces for friends, family and colleagues to meet and enjoy a tranquil coffee, drink or cocktail, snack, lunch or dinner.
The next phase of the transformation will include the refurbishment of the 40 bedrooms in the original house and the Tara Suite which is scheduled to be completed by February 1st to capture the wedding market. Further work will be carried out across the Arena Health & Fitness Club with an investment of €200,000 into its 21-metre swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and state of the art gymnasium, nearing conclusion.
With 202 bedrooms, The Grand is a renowned venue offering a wide choice of spaces and excellent facilities, to accommodate all styles of events from meetings to international conferences, exhibitions, weddings and gala banquets. For corporate guests, the newly renovated meeting and event spaces offer the perfect blend of heritage and modern sophistication, designed to inspire productivity and connection in an unrivalled coastal setting.
Commenting at the launch event of The Grand, David Kelly, CEO FBD Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to mark this new era for the Grand Hotel, with the completion of the first phase of the refurbishment across the ground floor. The response from the team and the local community has been superb and new life has been breathed into this iconic hotel. Once again it is becoming the heart of the village of Malahide and is being recognised and appreciated for its rich heritage and enduring legacy that has made it a symbol of excellence in hospitality.
“We will now move on to the next stage of the transformation, which will include the bedrooms in the original house, the Tara Suite which will present an elegant space for weddings, and we’ll also be continuing the upgrading of the Arena Health & Fitness Centre.”
Commenting, Syed Rizvi, General Manager said: “At The Grand, we’re proud to mark an exciting new chapter under the ownership of FBD Hotels & Resorts. This investment has allowed us to transform and refresh our historic hotel while preserving the charm and character that makes it such a special part of Malahide’s story.
“This is a new era for The Grand, one that honours our past while embracing an exciting future within the heart of the community we’re proud to call home. We look forward to welcoming everyone, locals and visitors alike, as we embrace this exciting next chapter for The Grand.”
FBD Hotels & Resorts is a leading Irish and Spanish hotel, resort and property group, owned by Farmer Business Developments Plc. The group’s luxury four-star portfolio includes Faithlegg, Waterford; The Heritage, Laois; Castleknock Hotel, Dublin; Killashee Hotel, Kildare; and the Grand Hotel, Malahide, acquired in early 2025. Internationally, it operates Sunset Beach Club in Benalmádena and La Cala Resort in Mijas on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Employing 2,000 people, FBD Hotels & Resorts manages 1,387 rooms and 5 golf courses across its properties.
