Blog
Read our latest news on award wins and press releases or read more about our team members
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Planting the seeds at Killeavy Castle Estate lays the land for success for generations to come
There's nothing more I love than growing our own fruit and veg at home. So, to get a chat with Darragh Dooley, Killeavy Castle Estate's Executive Chef, was just a real pleasure as he anticipates a great growing season on the county Armagh estate farm.
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Ellie Paterson awarded Employee of Season for Summer 2023
Ellie is a very deserving award winner, assisting the front of house, event and sales departments she is an avid multitasker and finds no task too difficult.
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Meet Gareth Black, Estate Butcher
At Killeavy Castle Estate, I am the Estate Butcher and can be found in the Farm Store
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Meet James Kenny, Trainee Manager
I decided that it was the industry which I am more passionate about. It was quite a difficult decision to make and naturally, I was afraid to take the step out of university and begin to steer my energy towards a completely different career but I can confidently say that it's one of the best decisions I have ever made.
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Meet Ben Kordowski, Head Banqueting Chef
An interesting fact about me is that I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I lived abroad just outside the city of Malaga for ten years where not only did I learn the language but also the Mediterranean cuisine
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Meet Eugene Rooney, Conference and Banqueting 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 manager!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Meet Brighdin Thornton, Restaurant Waitress
Meet Brighdin Thornton from Jonesborough who has been working as a waitress in the Restaurant at Killeavy Castle Estate for 2 years.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Meet Katie Brandon, Spa Treatment Manager
Meet Katie Brandon our Spa Treatment Manager who ensures the efficient day to day running of treatments by all Spa Therapists at Killeavy Castle Estate.
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