An inferno ripped through a 19th Century Georgian country hotel last night in Galway.

The Ross Lake House hotel in Galway has not been used in a number of years, but was due to accommodate 70 asylum seekers this week.

An inferno ripped through a 19th Century Georgian country hotel last night in Galway

A Google image of the Ross Lake House Hotel, in Rosscahill, Co.Galway

Police say they are investigating the fire as an incident of criminal damage

Flames could be seen engulfing the hotel, but luckily no one was inside the building at the time

The fire broke out at approximately 11.35pm and nobody was inside the building when it was engulfed in flames.

It comes just hours after protesters formed a blockade outside the entrance to the hotel in opposition to the Government’s plans to house asylum seekers there. 

Fire services brought the fire under control and a technical examination of the site is set to take place later today. 

Protesters could be seen gathered outside the hotel just hours before the fire broke out

Gardaí, Ireland’s National Police and Security Service, say they are investigating this as an incident of criminal damage.

A spokesperson for Gardaí police said: ‘Gardaí are investigating a criminal damage incident by fire which occurred at a premises in Rosscahill, Co.Galway on Saturday, 17th December 2023.

‘The incident happened at around 11.35pm and afterwards fire services brought the fire under control.

‘There were no persons inside the building at the time of the incident.

‘The scene has been preserved and a technical examination will take place later today.

‘Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact them at Clifden Garda Station 095 22500 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station’.