1803 – Grand Hotel, Robertstown, Co. Kildare

The Hotel was built in 1803 and was closed as such in 1849. However the building continued in use for various purposes including a RIC barracks and, in the 20th century, a hostel for turfworkers. Visually similar to the ruined hotel at Shannon Harbour, but Robertstown still remains fairly intact.

There were five hotels constructed originally by the canal company – Shannon Harbour, Tullamore, Robertstown, Portobello, and James’ Street Harbour. All similar architecturally. The Shannon Harbour hotel is now ruined, Tullamore and James’ Street are both gone.