Capital Flows And Market Momentum: Investment Strategies in Irish Hotel Real Estate

Exploring current deal activity, cross‑border capital, and investment outlook for 2026

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  Philip Grace

  With more than 25 years of experience as a C-level real estate executive and entrepreneur, Philip has established a strong reputation for scaling platforms, unlocking value, and delivering transformative development strategies that drive long-term investor returns. Philip Grace is the Chief Development Officer at Bob W, where he leads the company’s real estate growth, strategic expansion, and market-entry initiatives across Europe. Before joining Bob W, Philip founded and funded i2 Office (now Landmark Space), which became one of the UK’s leading flexible workspace providers. Under his leadership, the business grew to 35 Grade A properties, including 22 in London, achieved £75 million in annual revenue within five years, and was successfully acquired by a fifth-generation facilities management group. Philip later served as SVP at Quarters Co-Living, where he spearheaded global expansion and signed more than 4,500 rooms across North America, Europe, and Asia. He played a pivotal role in advancing co-living as an institutional asset class and shaping how major cities adopt shared-living models. As a Senior Advisor at Node-Living, he further strengthened the company’s international pipeline in co-living and micro-living developments. Philip has also founded and led several real estate ventures, including Oakhill Property and Lowry Commercial, focused on management, development, and value-add strategies. Philip specialises in strategic development, M&A, private equity fundraising, and portfolio optimisation. A qualified member of both RICS and the CIOB, he is recognised for his global perspective, strong industry relationships, and ability to deliver innovative real estate solutions. Based in the UK, he continues to drive Bob W’s bold expansion and the future of tech-enabled hospitality across Europe.

  Bob W

  Chief Development Officer

  Philip Grace

  Chief Development Officer

  Bob W

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  Ann Marie O’Byrne

  Ann Marie O’Byrne is Head of Hotel Valuation at CBRE Ireland, where she leads the country’s largest dedicated Hotel Valuation and Advisory team. She is also a key member of CBRE Hotels across Europe, working collaboratively with colleagues across the region to deliver consistent, high‑quality advice supported by CBRE’s global reach and sector-leading market intelligence. With over 20 years’ experience in the hotel industry, Ann Marie is a trusted advisor with a deep understanding of hotel market dynamics and operational performance. She provides strategic valuation and advisory services to a broad client base including financial institutions, owner‑operators, portfolio investors, private equity firms, real estate investment managers, and hotel groups. Her specialist expertise spans all segments of the hospitality market, encompassing development appraisals, resort and leisure properties, emergency accommodation, and hostel assets.

  CBRE Ireland

  Head of Hotel Valuation

  Ann Marie O’Byrne

  Head of Hotel Valuation

  CBRE Ireland

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  Charlie Ingham

  As Head of Strategic Investment, Charlie is responsible for leading on investment opportunities across numerous sectors and deploying Firethorn’s full-service capabilities to maximise the performance of real estate assets and developments. He leverages the business' strong in-house expertise across multiple disciplines to deliver market-leading services for Firethorn's own capital, and for clients. Charlie has more than 16 years’ experience working across investment strategy and management, capital raising and investor relations. Previously a founding partner at Gerald Eve Capital Partners, Charlie has held senior positions at Praxis Capital and Square Metre Asset Management, overseeing the latter’s investment management function in a programmatic joint venture with Goldman Sachs.

  Firethorn

  Director, Head of Strategic Investment

  Charlie Ingham

  Director, Head of Strategic Investment

  Firethorn

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  Mark Faithfull

  Mark Faithfull is the Dublin correspondent for Bisnow and a real estate and retail specialist, editing and contributing to international publications including Forbes, The Economist, MIPIM News, MAPIC News, World Retail Congress and the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe. He covers trends in retail and property and regularly speaks and moderates at events around Europe.

  Bisnow

  Reporter

  Moderator

  Mark Faithfull

  Reporter

  Bisnow

Building Ahead: Strategic Hotel Development in Ireland’s Evolving Market

Shaping tomorrow’s hospitality landscape through strategic development, adaptive reuse, and mixed‑use innovation

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  Michael Karling

  Michael leads NDY Ireland’s Dublin office following his arrival in 2025. With over ten years of experience as a mechanical engineer, he has guided projects through all design & construction stages across sectors including hotels, commercial offices, education, retail, residential and entertainment venues. Michael is passionate about delivering solutions that balance client needs with project constraints, emphasising sustainability and energy efficiency. A graduated from the UK Green Building Councils Future Leaders programme in 2018. Known for his strong communication skills, Michael fosters collaboration within project design teams to achieve outstanding outcomes.

  NDY

  Associate Director

  Michael Karling

  Associate Director

  NDY

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  Lisa Wynne

  Lisa Wynne is a Director at Reddy Architecture + Urbanism and Head of Hospitality and Sustainability for the group. She is a registered architect with over 25 years’ experience delivering high-quality projects across hospitality, retail, residential, commercial, and large-scale urban development.

  Reddy Architecture

  Director

  Lisa Wynne

  Director

  Reddy Architecture

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  Alix McAlinden

  Development Director

  Staycity

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  Guillermo Dekker

  Guillermo is a visionary leader at Evolution Sustainability Group transforming European commercial real estate to become efficient and cost savvy. He orchestrates the company’s European Union operations with a blend of expertise and passion for sustainability. With over a decade of experience in renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. His impressive career includes spearheading transformative projects for both the private and public sectors, such as the development of impact studies for the European Environment Agency (EEA). These studies have played a crucial role in shaping the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Guillermo’s in-depth knowledge of European sustainability standards and regulations ensures that his initiatives not only meet but exceed legislative expectations. Guillermo's knack for market expansion is well-documented, supported by his extensive network and strategic partnerships with influential sustainability organizations like the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). His efforts are pivotal in fostering collaboration and driving business growth for Evolution Sustainability Group across Europe.

  Evolution Sustainability Group

  Managing Director, Europe

  Moderator

  Guillermo Dekker

  Managing Director, Europe

  Evolution Sustainability Group