The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore, Co Offaly, had to be evacuated yesterday evening after a fire broke out on one of its upper floors. The hotel's owner, Mr Christy Maye, said no one was injured in the blaze, which spread to six bedrooms and a section of the roof before being extinguished.
"We were very fortunate in that there was no damage to the main structure of the building," he said. "We immediately put our fire-evacuation procedure into place and the fire brigade were very quick in getting here."
Several units of the Tullamore Fire Brigade were called to the scene shortly before 6 p.m.
The 72-bed hotel was able to reopen its restaurant later yesterday evening and was due to re-admit guests by last night.
"We have made alternative arrangements in case anyone needs to be accommodated elsewhere tonight, whatever is best for the safety of everyone," Mr Maye said.
A Garda spokesman said the incident caused traffic chaos as diversions had to be put in place.