Up On The Roof

It’s a little late in the day to get too upset, or excited, about the first real steps to demolishing The La Touche Hotel being taken this morning.

It was one small step for these two guys, just another day at the building site, but, for those who have spent many a fine night in this 124-year-old hotel, and for those who just love their Greystones history.

And now, on a dull, lifeless Monday, in the middle of a weekend hangover yawn, the walls have started crumbling down without not so much a scream but an audible sigh from the town.

Some are sad to see the old girl go, others happy that something is finally been done with this eyesore that has been awaiting its fate since closing its doors for a final time in 2009.

It’s going to take 18 months – at least, that’s the plan – before the 22 houses and 5 tall terraced homes are completed. In the meantime, the very last phase of this very long goodbye is finally underway… 

You can check out the rise and fall of all the hotels in our sunny seaside town right here. You can also check out John McGowan’s shots from this morning here.