Kilkea Castle, just outside Athy in Castledermot, County Kildare reopened its doors in late 2017 after an extensive four-year €30 million investment and have only gone from strength to strength since.
Originally employing 11 local people, they are now at 147 team members and this week they received the prestigious accolade of being awarded as 3rd best property on the Island of Ireland through Condé Nast awards.
Joining their team are two hospitality professionals from County Laois, Cavan Dunne and David McKane.
Firstly, from Mountmellick is David McKane. David previously worked as chef de cuisine at five-star Adare Manor, sous chef at Ballyfin Demesne and Lyrath Estate.
David has been appointed as Resort Executive Chef and Culinary Director. His menus will focus on using local artisanal produce to highlight classic Irish food in a modern way. Many of the ingredients on David’s menus will be Kildare-based, with Duncannon Smokehouse salmon, Monesterevan duck and more, all set to feature.
David’s (34) new position will allow him to oversee all the food offerings at the fine dining Restaurant “1180”, afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, Hermione’s Restaurant and The Bistro at the Clubhouse.
Also arrived on this award-winning estate is Cavan Dunne as Resort Events Manager. Cavan, also 34, joins the team with 16 years of hospitality experience in the midlands including properties such as The Midlands Park, The Só Hotel Group, The Heritage, Killenard and Kinnitty Castle.
Originally from Castletown County Laois, Cavan holds qualifications in Hotel & Business Management and in Digital & Social Media Marketing.
Kilkea Castle boasts 11 elite castle bedrooms, 30 well-appointed carriage rooms and 99 lodge bedrooms, a state-of-the-art conference and banqueting events centre, 18-hole award winning gold course and most recently of September this year, a brand-new Spa with salon, treatment rooms and thermal suites.
For more information on this amazing local property, visit their website www.kilkeacastle.ie, call 059 914 5600 or email Cavan at events@kilkeacastle.ie.
SEE ALSO – Check out the dedicated jobs section on LaoisToday
