Killeavy Castle Estate Blog

Meet Eugene Rooney, Duty Manager

I am a part-time farmer; I’m also an award-winning baker and I’ve been in a few country music videos! I usually say, I am not your run of the mill hotel manager!

Killeavy Castle Estate plants seeds for growth and sustainability with £500,000 investment

Officially unveiled by the owners of Killeavy Castle Estate, Sydney-based businessman Mick Boyle and his wife Robin, Killeavy Castle Estate has just launched an Estate Farm Store and Estate Gardens following a further £500,000 investment. Originally from South Armagh, Mick Boyle and Robin acquired Killeavy Castle in 2013, and over the past nine years have restored the 186-year Killeavy Castle, creating a venue that’s now regarded as one of the premier destination hotels in Ireland.

Meet Cecelia Holloway, Front Office Manager

I have worked in hospitality for over 20 years, and have been fortunate to have worked in some of the most prestigious hotels around the country. I got my passion for the industry from my childhood as my family ran a Bed & Breakfast and Caravan Park in Warrenpoint.

Meet Eryn Murdock, Bistro Bar Supervisor

I am very proud to be the Bistro Bar Supervisor at Killeavy Castle Estate. It is my job to ensure that our guests have the very best and most memorable experience, whether that be sipping on a delicious cocktail, or feasting on a tasty meal made from the homegrown produce of the estate.

Meet Terry Kelly, Sales and Marketing Manager

My position allows me to apply my previous experience and education to develop the brand identity of Killeavy Castle Estate towards the luxury travel markets. I am fortunate to work for owners who truly value the people that make the business function. They provide a strong vision and directive for what the brand represents which infuses all staff with excitement in being part of something great, whilst providing a real sense of belonging and job role fulfilment.

Meet Ciaran Hampton, Duty Manager

On any one day, you could see me in the bar, restaurant, reception, running a wedding or a conference. You will also find me from time to time in the spa. One of the beauties of being a Duty Manager is that you need to be very open-minded and able to adapt to different areas within the business.

Killeavy Castle Estate wins Best of the Best in the Intimate Wedding Venue of the Year

The Estate was thrilled to have received one of the top awards, taking the title of the ‘Best of the Best’ in the Intimate Wedding Venue of the Year category at the event, overcoming stiff competition in the category.

Meet Matthew Hynds, Operations Manager

My role requires me to be heavily involved in all aspects of the Estate, one day I could be running a wedding, and the next I could be helping in the Walled Garden Café, Bistro or Restaurant, we pride ourselves in customer care and this comes from the owners, through the managers to the staff. I would never ask someone to do a job I wouldn’t do myself and have a very hands-on approach to my job.

Meet Seidy Hynds, Events Manager

I meet with our guests at the beginning of their journey and give them a full tour of our Estate, showing them all we have to offer and giving them the wonderful history of Killeavy Castle Estate. I work with our guests right through to the day of their event, making sure that every step is planned to ensure their time spent with us is exceptional. I then this pass over to our operations team to run the event on the day. Our guest journey does not end after their visit to us, and maintaining a long-lasting connection is important to ensure we meet their future event needs.

Meet Janice Lacey, Housekeeping Supervisor

The people I work with are fantastic, so professional. The buildings of both the Castle and the Hotel are amazing and the setting is just stunningly beautiful. The fact it is a five-minute drive from home, means I am able to work in a job that I love and pick up my youngest daughter from Primary School at 3pm which is the icing on the cake! Lol

Meet Dario Percic, Head Chef

Meet Dario Percic our Head Chef who ensures the efficient day to day running of the Restaurant at Killeavy Castle Estate.

Killeavy Castle Estate and Bolster Community continue charity partnership for 2023

A Newry-based charity and social enterprise, Bolster Community work alongside individuals, families, and the community, to support improved opportunity, and health and well-being for those who need it. The charity provides several of these services in the Slieve Gullion region in which Killeavy Castle Estate is located, giving the partnership great synergy and reflecting the values of Killeavy Castle Estate which place a huge emphasis on supporting local.

Collaborative Partnership for Slieve Gullion Woodland

Over 200 acres of native woodland on the slopes of Slieve Gullion, South Armagh, will be regenerated and planted following the collaborative partnership agreed recently between Killeavy Castle Estate and the Forest Service of Northern Ireland. This agreement facilitates the development of public walking paths in the area in co-operation with Newry Mourne & Down District Council and woodland planting and regeneration in consultation with the Woodland Trust.

Meet The Candlemaker - Olivia

"Hi, I’m Olivia! I’m one of the Candlemakers" 3 words that describe how I feel when I come to Bolster Community to make Acorn products: Great, Happy and Positive! I always have a laugh with Kathy and Noreen. They always put me in a good mood, and know how to make me smile even when I’m having a bad day. I’ve made some good friends since coming to the workshop and I get on well with the other Candlemakers. We’re like one big family!

Meet Vanessa Gillanders, Restaurant Manager

I am very proud to hold the Restaurant Manager position at Killeavy Castle Estate. We have very talented chefs here and some of the best local produce you can find. It is my job to ensure our guests that come here have the best memorable experience of our offerings in this wonderful magical setting.

Meet Rebecca Mulholland, Events Coordinator

I love meeting and building a personal rapport with guests, especially our wedding couples. I love that they put their trust in me to ensure their day will be perfect, and I love the feeling of being as excited as they are about their wedding day!

Meet Wendy Taylor, Spa Reflexologist

As a reflexologist for Killeavy Castle, my job entails an initial consultation with any new client (usually 15 minutes long) to gather medical, health and lifestyle information so that I can tailor a specific treatment plan to each client. Following this, each treatment will last up to 45 minutes and will involve the client removing their footwear and socks/tights, then lying on the treatment couch. The treatment involves me applying pressure to various points on the feet which correspond with areas of the body and organs, based on Zone Therapy (using 'mapped' points on the feet), specifically using my thumbs, fingers and hands. This treatment aims to alleviate stress and holistically treat the 'whole person', creating a state of balance and relaxation.

Meet Susan Quinn, Breakfast Supervisor

I was fortunate to join the Killeavy team in the early stages of opening and this allowed me to gather great experience and be a part of something new and exciting that this area hasn't seen before. I got to work in the bar, the fine dining restaurant and as part of the banqueting team for our first ever wedding, it was amazing to be part of our Killeavy family then as much as it is today.

The Descendants of Original Castle Owners 'Come Home'

Descendants of the Foxall family - the original owners of Killeavy Castle - arrived at the newly refurbished premises last week to pay respect to their spectacular heritage. Formerly known as Killeavy Lodge, it was the residence of the Foxall family, whose vault is situated nearby, at St Luke’s parish Church. In 1836, Powell Foxall, a banker from Newry, commissioned an architect to enlarge his modest farmhouse. It was subsequently transformed into the small Gothic castle existing today. In the late 17th century the Bell family took ownership of the castle and estate until the death of Maureen Bell in 2000.

Take time to rejuvenate at Killeavy Castle Estate

Relax your body and mind with a luxurious stay at Killeavy Castle Estate. One of Ireland’s most unique getaway locations, Killeavy Castle Estate provides the perfect setting for guests to truly switch off and get closer to what’s important.

Killeavy Castle Estate invests in a continued sustainable future.

Our Walking, Riding and Fine Dining Experience will be enhanced over the coming months with the establishment of an additional vegetable garden and farm store. Sowing, tending, picking then preparing the garden produce, along with curing displays of our Estate Longhorn beef and Cheviot lamb will allow our visitors to embrace our farm to fork ethos firsthand. Works will be completed by March 2022.

Killeavy Castle Estate sweeps the board with award wins and AA Rosettes

In just three short years, Killeavy Castle Estate has won multiple awards including a spate of industry award wins in recent weeks. This latest recognition from the AA Awards is a testament to the strength of the team and the quality that Killeavy Caste Estate strives to deliver for every guest.

2023 Wedding Showcase at Killeavy Castle Estate

Join us and experience what Killeavy Castle Estate and our preferred suppliers have to offer to create your perfect Wedding Day. Our Events Team shall be available throughout the day to answer any enquiries you may have on Sunday 5 March from 12noon to 5:00pm