Surprise accompanied the announcement in 2023 of the Brennans’ sale of the Park, along with its sister property, the Lansdowne, with an asking price of €20.5 million. Francis insists it was the best decision he ever made. “I’ve never looked back. The day I walked out, that was that, gone — next thing.”
As he marks 10 years with Dunnes Stores, Francis Brennan reflects on legacy, home, hospitality and attention to detail. Francis Brennan surveys Cork City through the panoramic window of the top-floor cafe in Dunnes Stores on Patrick Street. I’m meeting him here as he marks the 10th year of the Francis Brennan Collection in Dunnes.
Setting an Easter table is all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere with simple, charming touches. Inspired by Francis Brennan’s signature style, this décor embraces soft seasonal colours, fresh flowers like daffodils and tulips, crisp white linens, and playful details such as moss and mini eggs.
Francis Brennan, one of Ireland’s most beloved hoteliers and TV personalities, shares stories from a lifetime of travel—ranging from nostalgic seaside trips in Courtown to awe-inspiring journeys across India. With a discerning eye for beauty and quality, he recalls the magic of Venice, the elegance of Chewton Glen, and the tropical charm of Honolulu.
In reflective mood, the businessman discusses his decision to sell his beloved Park Hotel, his brother’s brush with cancer and his lessons for thinking young. In his head, Francis Brennan is not 70: “I think probably 48 or 50,” he says. “To be honest, that’s where I would be.”...
Park Hotel Kenmare hotelier and TV personality Francis Brennan is also author of several non-fiction books. His latest, Age is Just a Number, is published by Gill and is out now. He tells us what is currently lighting up his cultural life...
Francis Brennan takes to the road in his ‘Happiness Tour Truck’ to spread some cheer. TV personality Francis Brennan when he announced that he is taking to the road in his ‘Happiness Tour Truck’ to spread a little happiness With his new memoir, Counting My Blessings: Francis Brennan’s Guide to Happiness released this Friday, 2nd [...]
Celebrity hotelier Francis Brennan may soon be swapping the green fields of Kerry for the bright lights of Hollywood after revealing he could be getting his own US TV show. The RTE star (62) is best known for his role on popular hotel makeover series At Your Service, but now has his sights set on [...]
Francis Brennan has revealed how a desire to dress up pushed him to enter the hotel business. Brennan may be a household name and owner of the five-star Park Hotel in Kenmare, Co Kerry, but said he entered the hospitality industry for unusual reasons. He revealed: “I always knew that I wanted to be in [...]
‘When I bought my Mercedes E Class car it cost me £72,900. I have never bought a car since, and now drive a Volvo V80’ Are you a saver or a spender? I tend to save more than I spend, but the savings have been decimated by the Celtic Tiger so I should have spent it! Do you shop around for better value? Always. My restaurant supervisor was here the other day pricing a trip to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and I saved her over €450 a person and got a car included for the 14-day trip.