Paddy McKillen Jr., the Irish property developer, is expanding his business into the hotel and leisure industry. Recently, he has submitted a planning application to develop a boutique resort and surf school on Wicklow beach, located on the east coast of Ireland. McKillen Jr.’s vision for the resort is to create a luxurious and sustainable destination that promotes outdoor activities and wellness. The development would be the first of its kind in the area and could attract tourists from all over the world. This article will explore McKillen Jr.’s background in property development and his plans for the Wicklow beach resort.
Creatively Pacific Ltd, a company associated with Paddy McKillen jnr’s Oakmount, has applied for planning permission to develop a boutique holiday resort and surf school on the clifftop lands of Magheramore Beach in Co Wicklow. McKillen’s company aims to build an integrated tourism/leisure, recreational (ITLR) complex comprising a two-storey over lower ground-level building containing a gym, sauna, cinema, and an outdoor swimming pool (24m x 10m) at a lower ground level, a reception, bar, and restaurant, washrooms, and an outdoor terrace at a ground level, and an event room at first-floor level. The complex would also have 48 accommodation pods and a surf school facility on a 2.95 hectare portion of the 8.5 hectare site that the developer acquired in the summer of 2021.
The proposed “glamping” pods would measure 21sq m each and be arranged along the eastern fringe of the site along with a dedicated 92sq m structure. The developer aims to house a surf school facility, public toilets, and public showers in the structure. As part of its latest application, Creatively Pacific Ltd is also seeking permission for 49 car parking spaces and 13 bike parking spaces to serve the development’s main complex. The proposal also includes the enhancement and supplementation of planting at the site to protect its existing ecology. Magheramore Beach itself is part of a large Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Magheramore Beach is a beautiful cove beloved by surfers and the setting for numerous TV productions, including historical dramas such as Vikings and Camelot, the EastEnders spin-off series Redwater, and Amy Huberman’s Finding Joy. In recent years, the popular beach between Blainroe and Brittas Bay has served as the location for the annual “Dip in the Nip,” which sees a hardy band of swimmers take to the waves to raise funds for cancer research. The cove is also a hotspot for water sports and is widely considered the best location for surfing on Ireland’s east coast.
While fears had been expressed regarding future public access to the beach at the time of Magheramore site’s sale two years ago, the promoters have stated in their planning application that the “existing public pedestrian access to the beach [at Magheramore] will remain unaffected.” Access to the site of the proposed resort will, however, be barrier-controlled by the operators of the complex.
McKillen’s main development company, Oakmount, paid €700,000 to acquire ownership of the wider Magheramore site in an online auction presided over by agent BidX1 in June 2021. Although the amount paid represented a massive premium on the €210,000 that the property had been guiding in advance of its sale, intense competition involving five parties on the day saw bids surpass the €550,000 mark. Wicklow County Council was among the unsuccessful underbidders.
Owned originally by the Columban order of sisters before its original sale back in the 1980s, and several sales since, the land serves as the route to Magheramore Beach. The popular beach is a beautiful cove that is widely known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment. At Swim, Brendan MacEvilly writes in their guide to the country’s best swimming spots: “You’d pass the place easily, 1.5km south of Blainroe Golf Club. It’s noticeable only by a couple of cars parked on the road … on a beach like this, you might prefer things to stay as they are: peaceful. The only sound is the gushing of waves. A high wall of lush reeds, ferns and evergreens surround the beach, blocking out the world.”
Should McKillen’s company secure approval from the planners at Wicklow County Council, the proposed ITLR complex has the potential to further drive tourism and leisure activities in the area. The development will also provide more job opportunities and bring investment to the local economy. The creation of an integrated tourism and leisure complex in this beautiful location could provide a significant boost to the area, bringing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the beach and its surrounding area.
However, it is important that the natural environment and biodiversity of the area are protected during the development process. The developers must be careful not to impact the local environment and wildlife, particularly as Magheramore Beach is part of a large Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Local authorities must ensure the protection of the area’s ecology to safeguard it for future generations to enjoy.
Overall, the development of a boutique holiday resort and surf school on the clifftop lands of Magheramore Beach in Co Wicklow has potential to bring economic growth, job opportunities, and investment to the area. It is important, however, that the local authorities and developers prioritise the protection of the natural environment and wildlife during the development process to ensure that the beautiful cove and surrounding are preserved for future generations.
In conclusion, Paddy McKillen jnr’s vision to create a boutique resort and surf school at Wicklow beach is a game-changer for the hospitality industry in Ireland. With his experience and expertise, he is well-equipped to turn this dream into a reality and offer a unique experience to visitors from all over the world. The project demonstrates his commitment to sustainable tourism, community engagement and preserving the natural environment. We can only hope that this initiative will inspire others to follow in his footsteps and continue to elevate Ireland’s tourism and hospitality industry to new heights.
