The Charlemont Arms Hotel derives its name from the Earls of Charlemont, Moy, Co Tyrone. It has also been, referred to as Caulfield Arms, Caulfield being the family name of the Viscounts of Charlemont. In the mid 19th Century, records in the city, John Hughes was given as the Proprietor in 1852, it remained in his ownership until 1892 when a Mrs Mann was listed as the owner.
In the mid 19th Century, records in the city, John Hughes was given as the Proprietor in 1852, it remained in his ownership until 1892 when a Mrs Mann was listed as the owner. Two years later it appears as 'Mann's Hotel and Hydropathic Establishment'. It was offering facilities with Turkish, plunge and other baths in 1896, but the proprietor was then James McMahon.
From 1906 - 1933 it passed through a number of different proprietors, until 1934 it was passed into the ownership of the Forster Family. It is also notable that in the heyday of the Irish Volunteers, that there was a Charlemont Arms in every town of note, but now there is probably not another left surviving in Ireland, something of which the current proprietors are very proud.
It has always been an important posting house in earlier times with a fine reputation for service and was the chosen hostelry for the legal profession. It has also been referred to as a Commercial Hotel, with it being a stop over point for the Belfast Trade Representatives.
The Forster Family has made a significant investment in the hotel throughout
their time of ownership. During the period 1976-1979 the hotel was largely
rebuilt due to bomb damage, and in May 1999, the hotel carried out major renovations
to incorporate two derelict buildings adjacent. This has meant in addition
to the hotels existing bedrooms an additional 18 bedrooms, increasing the
rooms to thirty in total, a larger foyer, reception area, lounges, new bars
that were built to reflect the era of the building and a new basement restaurant/wine
bar known as downstairs@turners. This refurbishment has brought the hotel
up to two stars Northern Ireland Tourist Board standard. The Family intend
to maintain the standards that they have already achieved and thrive to set
new ones.
