Planning withdrawn for luxury boutique hotel on Mayo island 

A planning application to develop a new luxury boutique hotel on Achill Island has been declared withdrawn by Mayo County Council.

The decision was made by Mayo County Council after the applicant failed to provide the local authority with further information regarding concerns they had over aspects of the planned development.

A planning application was lodged by Trasa Jones in November 2024 to develop a 12-suite hotel, including spa and leisure facilities, a wedding function room, cinema, yoga studio, and amenities for wellness retreats in the village of Dooagh on Achill Island.

The proposed development overlooking the Atlantic involved the demolition of an existing dwelling house known as the Beach House to be replaced with a luxury hotel which the applicant stated would deliver 'an unparalleled visitor experience'.

The design of the 'Beach House Hotel' was drawn by Westport-based Keith Walsh Architects who stated in a report submitted to Mayo County Council that the design 'reflects a careful and considered response to the unique context of its location on Achill Island'.

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“Every aspect of the architecture is informed by the surrounding landscape, the sloping topography, and the desire to create a sustainable, luxurious, and immersive experience for guests,” the design report read.

However in January 2025, Mayo County Council planners advised Mr Walsh that they 'remain to be convinced' by the suitability of a proposed 12-suite boutique hotel. They sought further information regarding the project after raising concerns regarding the suitability of the development at the location.

“In the absence of a more detailed visual impact assessment/appraisal, Mayo County Council remains to be convinced as to the suitability of the proposed development. The proposed development significantly varies from the existing style and pattern of development in the general vicinity,” they wrote.

The Beach House in Dooagh which was to be knocked to make way for a boutique hotel

Planners also requested that the applicant would submit an audit on car parking at the proposed development to include ‘wedding function’ parking demand for guests and staff and to confirm proposals to ensure no overflow parking potentially occurs on the R319 / Dooagh Beach access road.

The applicant was given six months to submit the further information and following a request by Mr Walsh, an additional three months was granted to complete the request. A deadline of October 27, 2025 was given for further information on the application to be submitted to Mayo County Council.

The applicant failed to provide further information and on February 26 last, Mayo County Council informed the applicant that they had declared the application withdrawn as they had not complied with the requirement to submit further information in accordance with planning regulations. 

The proposed boutique hotel was to offer guests 'an atmosphere of calm sophistication' with the hotel masterplan including a tranquil Zen Garden and a terrace overlooking the sea and direct access to the beach.

The total floor area of the hotel was to be 1,662 square metres and would be 'seamlessly nestled into this natural gradient, ensuring that it is both visually unobtrusive and harmoniously integrated into the landscape'.

The design also included a stone-walled courtyard located near the road as well as a sea terrace which 'offers a dramatic yet tranquil outdoor experience, ideal for relaxation or events, with uninterrupted sea views'.

Each of the 12 bedroom suites was to offer 'floor-to-ceiling glazing, private balconies, and outdoor baths, allowing guests to luxuriate while taking in the views of the waves crashing below' while the spa and leisure facilities are designed as 'sanctuaries of peace, complemented by the Zen garden, which provides a meditative retreat from the world outside'.

“The proposed luxury hotel in Dooagh is a strategic addition to Achill Island's tourism offering, reinforcing Mayo's status as a premier destination on the Wild Atlantic Way,” the design statement read.

“By integrating sustainable design and respecting the local environment, this project delivers economic and cultural benefits to the community while aligning with the goals of the Mayo County Development Plan,” it concluded.