Monasterevin’s Hazel Hotel to stay open at weekends

The Hazel Hotel, which has had a troubled few years, will close its doors during the week but remain open for weekends, it has emerged.

The landmark Monasterevin venue reopened last March with great fanfare after it lay abandoned for over a year. Hit hard by the recession, it had closed in November 2010. The relaunch buoyed the local community and received huge support as well wishers rallied around new manager Pat Lawlor.

Pat, who hails from Castledermot but lives in Monasterevin signed up to lease the premises for a year. The hotel will now open Saturday, Sunday and Monday to cater for food, gigs, functions and dance nights. Any functions, which have been booked are safe and future bookings are still being taken.

It is unclear why the owner took this decision as the Leader was unsuccessful in trying to contact him before going to print. One concern Pat had at the time of the relaunch was the amount he had to pay in rates to Kildare County Council for the year. Speaking at the time, he said he’d like to see the rates brought down. The Hazel Hotel was a hugely well known venue throughout Ireland during the showband era and continues to attract some of the best talent in the business.

- Niamh O’Donoghue