Billionaire Trump buys Doonbeg golf resort
By Tony Leen
Investment mogul Donald Trump has confirmed his organisation’s purchase of the spectacular Doonbeg Golf Club in Clare.
The acquisition plans, revealed in Tuesday’s Irish Examiner, marks the 16th golf club in the Trump Portfolio and the first Trump Hotel Collection property in Ireland.
“I am thrilled to announce that we have purchased yet another incredible golf resort.
“From Trump National Doral, Miami to Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, known as ‘the greatest golf course in the world,’ we only have the best. Doonbeg is an already terrific property that we will make even better - it will soon be an unparalleled resort destination with the highest standards of luxury,” said Mr Trump today.
Doonbeg Golf Club will be renamed Trump International Golf Links, Ireland, and is spread over 400-acres fronting for 2 ½ miles on the Atlantic Ocean and features an 18-hole championship golf links course.
The world-renowned course is named the “#1 Resort in Europe” by Condé Nast Traveler, a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure and ‘European Golf Resort of the Year’.
The Lodge at Doonbeg, consists of 218 hotel suites, an expansive spa and several restaurants all which will be managed directly by the Trump Hotel Collection, Trump’s award-winning hotel management company.
In a statement, the Trump Organisation said: “Following a global marketing campaign by EY and selling agent Eastdil Secured, The Trump Organization executed the purchase and sale agreements on February 8.”
Luke Charleton of EY commented: “There was a tremendous level of interest from domestic and international investors in this property. It is particularly pleasing to have sold this prestigious property to The Trump Organization who have the vision and resources to take what is an internationally renowned tourism resort to its next stage.”
Mr. Charleton then added: “I would like to thank employees of The Lodge at Doonbeg and Doonbeg Golf Club for their support and professionalism during the receivership process.”
Doonbeg employs 250 people in high season. Buddy Darby's Kiawah Partners invested over €80m in the development before selling it to property investment fund, King Street, last year.
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump will be arriving in Ireland tomorrow (Wednesday) to announce further details.
