Glenside Hotel Badly Damaged as Fire Crews Battle Mid-Day Blaze

Ardee & Mid Louth News | Breaking News

The well-known Glenside Hotel in Smithstown, just outside Drogheda, has been forced to close its doors until further notice following a significant fire that broke out earlier today.

Firefighting units from both Drogheda and Balbriggan rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze. While emergency services successfully brought the fire under control, it is understood that parts of the building have sustained substantial damage.

“Everybody is Safe”

In a statement released shortly after the incident, hotel management confirmed the closure while providing much-needed reassurance regarding the safety of those on-site.

“We are sorry to say that we are closed until further notice. Thankfully everybody is safe and well,” the statement read. The building was evacuated quickly as the alarm was raised, and Gardaí, who assisted at the scene, confirmed that no injuries have been reported.

“We are working towards contacting all of our bookings as soon as possible. Please bear with us.” — Glenside Hotel Management

Community Support for Local Landmark

The Glenside is a staple of the South Louth and East Meath hospitality scene, renowned for hosting weddings, family celebrations, and community events throughout the year. The news of the fire has been met with a wave of support from local representatives and residents alike.

Local Councillor Debbie McCole expressed her distress at the news, praising the swift action of the emergency services. “Very sad to hear about the fire at the Glenside Hotel. My thoughts are with all guests, staff, management, and emergency services dealing with the situation. Incidents like this are distressing for all involved, especially the hardworking staff who will be facing a very difficult time.”

Extent of Damage Unknown

While the blaze has been extinguished, fire crews remained at the Smithstown site this afternoon to ensure the area was dampened down. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, and a full assessment of the structural damage will be required before any plans for reopening can be considered.

For now, management is prioritising communication with customers who have upcoming events and room bookings to navigate the sudden closure.

The Glenside Hotel is recognised for its warm atmosphere and close proximity to the Boyne Valley, making it a popular destination for visitors across the region.