A lush, 12-acre estate in the heart of County Kildare is about to become one of Ireland’s most intriguing hotel destinations. Just 15 miles west of Dublin, a reimagined premium retreat—voco The Club – Dublin Gateway—will soon open its doors under the voco banner, one of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fastest-growing brands.
IHG, which now counts 10 properties open or in the pipeline across Ireland, has teamed up with development partner Nhance to fully rebrand the property by late summer 2025. It’s the first voco hotel in the Republic of Ireland—and one that feels especially well-matched to its surroundings.
Set amid rolling green pastures and historic countryside, this corner of Kildare is famed for its equestrian pedigree and heritage estates. Locals call it “Thoroughbred County,” but it’s not just racehorses drawing the crowds. The region has become a magnet for international travelers seeking both tranquility and a taste of authentic Irish culture.
The hotel itself is boutique in scale, with just 50 guest rooms, but makes a big statement with its design-forward, brasserie-style restaurant and an outdoor spa with hot tubs and a sauna. A collection of meeting spaces, ample parking, and easy access to the N7 motorway make it equally attractive for business travelers and weekenders.
Since its launch in 2018, the voco brand has carved out a distinct identity in the premium hotel space, combining upscale comfort with a laid-back, personable atmosphere. Think warm welcomes, thoughtful amenities, and modern design that doesn’t try too hard. The brand now spans over 100 open hotels across 25+ countries, with momentum building fast—particularly in Europe.
Willemijn Geels, IHG’s Vice President of Development for Europe, calls the new hotel a “remarkable property” that sets a high benchmark for voco’s growth in Ireland. “It aligns perfectly with the strength of IHG’s enterprise platform,” she says. “And we’re excited about our partnership with Nhance—it’s a strong start to what we hope will be a broader expansion across the country.”
That optimism seems well-placed. Dublin continues to rank among Europe’s top-performing capital cities, attracting more than seven million international visitors a year. Oxford Economics projects this number will rise by 11% annually through 2026, with tourism spending in Ireland already topping €6 billion in 2024 alone.
For Eoin Doyle of Nhance, the location and timing felt ideal. “It seems fitting that IHG, a leading global hotel brand, will have their name on such a special property in an amazing location,” he says. “We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to something refreshingly different—backed by the trust that comes with the voco name.”
With properties like voco London – Waterloo and voco Antalya Konyaaltı on the horizon, IHG’s momentum in Europe shows no signs of slowing. But for now, all eyes are on Kildare, where international flair meets Irish charm—and the voco story in Ireland begins.
