Looking back, the biggest turning points in my career came from moments where I decided to be curious, to take opportunities, and to step outside my comfort zone. I always enjoyed working with people and knew I wanted a career where no two days would be the same . That naturally led me to hospitality.

Both of my parents were hotel managers, so I grew up surrounded by the world of hospitality. From a young age, I was fascinated by hotels, how they worked behind the scenes, and the way they made guests feel special. That early exposure made a lasting impression on me, and it’s ultimately what inspired me to study International Hospitality Management at TU Dublin.

While in college, I made a conscious decision to get experience in top-quality hotels. I worked in Food & Beverage roles at Monart and The Shelbourne, which gave me a first real taste of luxury service and what it means to work in a 5-star environment they helped me understand how much I enjoyed the energy of hospitality and the pride that comes from delivering great guest experiences.

One of the most important steps I took was applying for an internship at Adare Manor. It gave me the chance to rotate through departments like Guest Services, Concierge, and Nights, and it opened my eyes to just how broad and exciting hotel operations really are. From there, every role I took was about learning more, developing leadership skills, and taking on more responsibility progressing to Reception Supervisor at Powerscourt Hotel, returning to Adare Manor as Assistant Front of House Manager, and eventually advancing to senior leadership roles at Mount Juliet Estate where I know lead the Rooms Division Team.

Each move was intentional — not just to climb the ladder, but to surround myself with the best teams and continue learning. If you're someone who loves working with people, enjoys a fast-paced environment, and wants a career where there’s always room to grow, hospitality is full of opportunity

My father was a huge influence — he spent his life in the hotel industry and, while never forceful, he quietly guided and encouraged me as I grew up around it. His advice helped shape my path from an early stage.

John Kelly, who was Deputy General Manager at Adare Manor, also had a big impact. He was a constant source of advice and inspiration during my time there, and to this day, he’s someone I can call when I need help navigating a challenge.

I’ve also been lucky to stay close with my college classmates from TUD. We’ve grown through the industry together, and it’s been a huge support to have peers who understand the same pressures, opportunities, and decisions. It’s great to be able to share advice with people walking a similar path.

After spending three and a half years working between Adare Manor and Powerscourt Hotel, I decided it was time to move closer to home. When the role at Mount Juliet Estate came up, I immediately felt drawn to it — the reputation, the location, and the opportunity to take the next step in my career all aligned perfectly.

I applied online and went through three rounds of interviews, including a meeting with the General Manager. As part of the process, I also completed an overnight stay on the estate to experience the guest journey firsthand, which really reinforced my interest in the role. Just under four weeks after applying, I was offered the position — and I started at Mount Juliet Estate in early January 2023.

My day usually starts at 8:00 AM with a walk around the hotel to check in with the teams working that day. At 8:45 AM, we have a morning stand-up meeting with all department heads and the General Manager. This is a great chance for everyone to discuss the day’s plans, any challenges we’re facing, and work together on solutions.

After the meeting, I spend some time checking my emails and getting updates. I then focus on guest interaction during the late morning, especially during the busy check-out period, helping the team as needed. Once the check-out rush settles, I join the accommodation team for a walk through the floors and rooms, ensuring we’re consistently delivering a high-quality product.

Depending on the day, I may attend operational meetings or spend time tackling administrative tasks. One of my favourite parts of the job is meeting guests as they arrive, sharing the unique experiences Mount Juliet Estate has to offer.

No two days are the same, and the variety keeps things interesting it’s honestly somewhat addictive. I finish my day with another walk around the hotel, ensuring the teams are set up for a successful evening and offering assistance where needed.

In my role as Rooms Division Manager, I’m responsible for overseeing the Front Office, Guest Services, Concierge, Nights, Accommodation, and Public Areas teams across both hotels on the estate. My core responsibilities include recruitment, budgeting, payroll management, and operational planning — all of which contribute directly to the smooth running of the guest experience.

A large part of my role involves supporting the day-to-day operations, resolving guest or team concerns, and continuously reviewing how we can improve our service and standards. I’m also heavily involved in project work that enhances the overall guest journey. For example, I’ve recently led the selection of a new estate-wide bed linen range and overseen a full refresh of our internal and external signage.

As we approach key seasons, I help plan and review our leisure offerings — including the recent relaunch of our Equestrian Centre, which was a unique and exciting project that adds real value to the estate. Every task ultimately centres around maintaining and elevating the quality of our guest experience.

One of the ongoing challenges is staying ahead of ever-evolving travel trends and meeting the changing expectations of our guests. Today’s luxury traveller is more informed and discerning than ever, so we constantly need to refine our service and offerings to stay competitive.

Staffing is another key challenge , attracting and retaining talented team members who genuinely contribute to the success of the operation takes time and care. That said, I’ve been fortunate to have a fantastic core team with me for most of the three years I’ve been here. We've also strengthened the department with excellent Interns and Trainee Managers from some of Ireland’s hospitality colleges, which has been both rewarding and vital to our success.

What I enjoy most is the variety — no two days are ever the same. There’s always something new to learn, and the environment constantly challenges you to grow. I also really value the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, whether it’s guests from around the world or colleagues with different backgrounds and experiences. It’s incredibly eye-opening and has helped shape a broader, more informed perspective of the world.

Patience, adaptability, and an open mind are key traits I bring to the role, along with a strong willingness to learn, grow, and improve every day. One of my greatest strengths is staying adaptable in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment , something that’s essential in hospitality. I can organise my day with confidence, knowing that if unexpected challenges arise, I’m well equipped to handle them calmly and effectively. These qualities help me lead by example and support both guests and colleagues in a positive, solution-focused way.

In secondary school, I studied Business and Accounting, which definitely gave me a solid foundation for my career especially when it comes to budgeting, payroll, and understanding the commercial side of hotel operations. I also played team sports, which helped shape me into a strong team player and, over time, a better leader.

One of the great things about hospitality is that so much of the learning happens on the job. It’s an industry that allows you to grow in a way that suits your personality and strengths, whether you’re more guest-facing or operational. Looking back, I’m happy with the choices I made they gave me a good starting point, but the real growth came through hands-on experience

I completed my Leaving Certificate before going on to study a Level 8 Degree in International Hospitality Management at Technological University Dublin (TUD). Since entering the industry, I’ve continued to grow professionally through a number of additional courses, including Training Delivery & Evaluation, Management & Leadership Development, Performance Management, First Aid Responder, and Fire & Safety Training.

More recently, through Marriott, I completed a Loyalty Management course, which aligned closely with our work at Mount Juliet Estate. That work was recognised when the property was awarded a Marriott Worldwide Shining Star award for Loyalty — a proud moment for our team.

The most important aspects of my education for this job have been a combination of formal learning and the soft skills developed along the way. Studying Business and Accounting in secondary school gave me a strong foundation for managing budgets, payroll, and performance metrics, which are key parts of my role today. My Degree in International Hospitality Management from TUD offered practical, real-world applications that helped me understand how hotels function from the inside out. Beyond the classroom, being involved in team sports and group projects helped me develop the teamwork and leadership skills that are essential in hospitality, where success is always a collective effort.

One of the standout moments in my career was being part of the management team at Adare Manor when we hosted the JP McManus Pro-Am in 2022. It was a world-class event that welcomed over 40,000 spectators each day, featured golf legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and raised over €140 million for charitable organisations across Ireland a truly unforgettable experience to be part of.

I was also immensely proud when Adare Manor was awarded its Forbes 5-Star Rating a testament to the dedication and excellence o

f the team. More recently, at Mount Juliet Estate, our team received global recognition from Marriott with a “Shining Star” award for our commitment to loyalty recognition, which felt like a powerful reflection of the guest-first culture we’ve built.

On a personal level, I’ve been honoured to receive the Leading Quality Assurance Outstanding Employee award on a number of occasions. But what means most is seeing members of my team grow, be recognised, and go on to achieve awards of their own both within the hotel and across the industry. That’s something I’ll always be proud of.

I would love to continue to grow within the industry it’s something I genuinely have a passion for. I’m so proud of the standard of hospitality we have here in Ireland, and I really enjoy visiting hotels across the country, seeing what makes each one unique.

Ultimately, I’d love the opportunity to settle and take on the role of General Manager in a hotel in my home county of Wexford. It would be incredibly rewarding to bring everything I’ve learned back home and play a part in shaping a special guest experience in a place that means so much to me.

What I love most is the flexibility and variety the job offers. No two days are ever the same, and the nature of shift-based work means you can often find time for personal travel or hobbies when others might not be able to. It’s allowed me to visit amazing places, meet people from all over the world, and learn about different cultures all while building a career I’m proud of.

There’s real scope for progression, recognition, and for anyone with a passion for people and service, it can absolutely support a lifestyle that’s both fulfilling and exciting.

Hospitality is a people-first industry, so if you enjoy working with others, being part of a team, and making someone’s day, it can be a hugely rewarding career. You need to be adaptable, patient, curious, and open to learning every single day. Strong communication skills and empathy go a long way, and being organised helps you stay ahead in what can be a fast-paced environment.

Something that’s often overlooked is just how many doors this industry can open — travel, growth, leadership, and the chance to learn from different cultures and people. It’s not a 9–5 job, but the variety, energy, and opportunities make it well worth it. If you’re passionate about service and willing to put in the effort, it’s a career that will give back just as much as you give to it.

Adaptability – No two days are ever the same in a hotel. You need to be able to adjust quickly to unexpected situations and remain calm under pressure.

Empathy – Whether dealing with a guest or a colleague, being able to listen, understand, and respond with genuine care is essential in hospitality.

Resilience – It's a fast-moving industry with high expectations. Having the stamina and mindset to face challenges head-on is key to thriving and growing in this environment

My pet hate might seem minor, but it’s a poorly tied tie. As part of my morning routine, I always take a moment to review the team’s grooming and presentation. A well-tied tie makes a strong first impression—it signals attention to detail and professionalism. It’s one of those small things that says a lot before a word is even spoken.

Yes, ongoing training has been a key part of my development in this industry. I’ve been fortunate to complete a wide range of training programmes as part of my roles, including Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Service Delivery Training, which helped refine my understanding of five-star service standards. I’ve also completed a Training Delivery and Evaluation course, which allows me to train and develop my own team more effectively, as well as a Management Development Programme that strengthened my leadership and strategic planning skills.

In addition, I’ve undertaken numerous essential courses such as First Aid Responder, Fire Safety, Health & Safety, and Water Safety training. These are not just compliance-based, but genuinely vital for ensuring a safe and prepared working environment.

Continuous learning is a big part of hospitality, and I certainly plan to pursue further development in the future.

Any guest or customer-facing role stands out strongly when preparing for a career in hotel management. Positions in hotels—whether in reception, food and beverage, concierge, or housekeeping give an early understanding of the fast-paced, service-driven nature of the industry. But even outside the hotel world, jobs in cafés, bars, restaurants, retail, or event spaces are incredibly valuable. These roles help develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, handling pressure, and anticipating guest needs.

Volunteering at events, festivals, or within the tourism sector can also help grow the guest-centric mindset needed in this role.

Ultimately, any experience where you're serving others, managing expectations, or solving problems on the spot is a strong foundation and it’s often those early jobs that teach you the most about teamwork, empathy, and professionalism.

Rooms Division Manager - Mount Juliet Estate