About Our Hotel
From Dr. Atkinson to the Earl of Charlemont
The Charlemont Arms Hotel’s story began centuries ago, originally as the home of Dr. Atkinson. The hotel’s crest carries the Latin motto, “Deo duce, ferro comitante”—“God My Guide, My Sword, My Companion”—a reflection of its enduring legacy and strength.
By the 1760s, it transformed into a hostelry known as “The Caulfield Arms.” In 1763, it was renamed when the fourth Viscount Caulfield became the Earl of Charlemont.
During the heyday of the Irish Volunteers, many towns boasted a Charlemont Arms. Today, this hotel stands as the sole surviving namesake in Ireland, a point of pride for its current proprietors.
Stewards of History: The Owners of Charlemont
In 1852, John Hughes became proprietor, followed by J.H. Mann in 1892, under whose ownership the hotel became “Mann’s Hotel and Hydropathic Establishment,” offering facilities like Turkish baths. From 1906 to 1933, the hotel changed hands several times until it was acquired by Robert and Elizabeth Forster in 1934.
The Forster family has played a significant role in the hotel’s legacy, with three generations contributing to its growth. From rebuilding after bomb damage in the 1970s to major renovations in 1999, their commitment has ensured the hotel’s survival and success.
Revitalizing Charlemont for the Future
The Forster family’s 1999 renovations expanded the hotel to 30 bedrooms and added a new restaurant and wine bar, Turners, alongside a larger foyer and reception. These upgrades brought the hotel to a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 2-star standard, enhancing its reputation for hospitality.
From its origins as a posting house with a fine reputation for service to its modern-day standing as a cherished part of Armagh’s heritage, the Charlemont Arms Hotel continues to honor its history while striving for excellence.
In the Press
Reproduced with the permission of the author Kevin Quinn and Armagh & District History Group.