Glasson Lakehouse, a four-star luxury hotel in Co Westmeath, has temporarily closed following an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug norovirus. The HSE confirmed that its Department of Public Health in Dublin and Midlands has been investigating the gastrointestinal illness since Monday, 24 August, working alongside the venue to implement control measures.
A popular four-star hotel and wedding venue near Athlone has shut its doors after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness swept through people who attended the premises. Management at Glasson Lakehouse implemented a voluntary closure on Wednesday afternoon after several recent guests and team members exhibited symptoms of illness that were subsequently confirmed as norovirus.
The closure has forced immediate schedule changes for upcoming events. At least one wedding due to take place at Glasson Lakehouse over the weekend had to be moved to an alternative venue following the closure. The hotel’s online booking system is also currently showing no rooms available to book until Wednesday, 2 September.
Public Health Investigation and Venue Response
Public health authorities stepped in after individuals fell ill following visits to the Westmeath destination. The Health Service Executive confirmed that its Department of Public Health in Dublin and the Midlands team launched an investigation on Monday, 24 August. Officials are collaborating directly with the HSE National Environmental Health Service colleagues and the premises.
The Public Health team is working closely with HSE National Environmental Health Service colleagues and the premises to ensure all appropriate actions are being taken and is working to contact affected people with advice,
the HSE said in a statement. Management and staff at the premises are cooperating fully with Public Health advice. The premises has voluntarily closed to facilitate outbreak control measures.
Hotel representatives stated that management acted quickly upon discovering the outbreak among team members and guests. In a statement issued to media, the property outlined its cooperation with health officials.
It is with regret that we have decided to temporarily close our premises as a precautionary measure following an outbreak of Norovirus.
We notified the HSE when we became aware that some recent guests and team members exhibited symptoms.
In consultation with the HSE, we implemented a voluntary closure and are working closely with the HSE to carry out all appropriate control measures, which we have acted on immediately.
The property also expressed that it “deeply regrets” the impact the illness outbreak has had on guests, thanking them for their patience and support. The hotel noted it is doing everything possible to look after everyone affected and is seeking alternative venues for guests and events to minimise the inconvenience caused, while continuing to work closely with health authorities.
Understanding Norovirus and Transmission Risks
Though the outbreak at a luxury hotel in Co Westmeath is somewhat unseasonal, norovirus is also known as the winter vomiting bug, reflecting its more common prevalence during the winter months. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, there were just over 2,000 cases of norovirus infection reported here in 2025.
Norovirus is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis in the Republic. It causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which are usually mild, with symptoms resolving in two to three days. Norovirus infection can also cause a slight fever, headache, stomach cramps and aching limbs, with symptoms usually starting within two days of becoming infected.
The virus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, schools and hotels. It spreads when small particles of vomit or faeces from an infected person are spread to those around them. This could occur when tiny droplets containing the virus are inhaled; by touching contaminated surfaces or objects (as norovirus can survive outside the body for several days); and by eating contaminated food when a food handler does not wash their hands before handling food.
Individuals can get norovirus illness several times in a lifetime because there are many different types of noroviruses, which are constantly mutating. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect a person against other types. While there is no specific treatment for norovirus, drinking plenty of clear fluids will help prevent dehydration. Older people and young babies are more at risk and may require intravenous fluids to overcome dehydration.
Prevention Guidelines and Reopening Outlook
Careful food handling and hand hygiene help prevent further spread of gastroenteritis. Public Health advice is that people who are unwell stay off work or school until 48 hours symptom free. Management and staff at the premises are cooperating fully with Public Health advice to stay off work until they’re two days without symptoms.
The hotel stated it will continue to work closely with health authorities and will provide an update regarding its reopening.
