Killashee Hotel

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role in Killashee Hotel

I reside from our neighbouring county Laois where I live with my wife Eimear and four Children, I was delighted to join FBD Hotels & Resorts in early 2019 taken on the role of General Manager of The Heritage, Killenard in Laois.

When I joined the team at Killashee in June 2022, it was the beginning of an exciting new era for the hotel. FBD Hotels & Resorts had bought the hotel in April and the refurbishment plan was under way. With over €3m being invested to date and a further €2m by the end of 2024, the hotel has been refurbished to the highest standard. For me the guest experience is the key priority and to achieve this we need an excellent team of people to manage this .We have 350 staff working in the hotel and out of that 100 are full-time. As well as the customer journey, we are investing in the staff journey to ensure good career opportunities.

Overall, as General Manager of Killashee Hotel , I would be responsible for creating a positive and welcoming environment for guests and staff, driving operational efficiency, maximizing revenue, and ensuring the long-term success and growth of the hotel.

What makes Killashee Hotel different to other Hotel destinations in Kildare?

Killashee is an iconic Irish property, primely located on a 55 acres estate of gardens and woodlands outside Naas. This landmark four-star hotel has built a reputation as a leading destination for the leisure, corporate and wedding guests alike.

The hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment, surpassing industry standards and setting a new benchmark for excellence. From the finest materials to the latest technology and design in achieving the utmost level of quality. With attention to every detail and a commitment to perfection, the hotel now stands as a testament to refined elegance and exceptional standards.

It is home to two beautiful restaurants, The Pippin Tree which overlooks the stunning gardens and the always popular casual dining restaurant, Oak & Anvil. Our Head Chef Phillip Gleeson has designed an elevated culinary experience for both restaurants, featuring the very best of local and seasonal produce.

Killashee is recognised for its warm hospitable service, and the hotel is equally appealing to couples, friends and families, who want to enjoy the different areas and activities on offer. These include The Spa and Hydrotherapy Suite, the leisure centre with its 25 metres pool, the grounds with woodland walks, gardens and its own playground with a zipline.

Our newly refurbished award-winning Spa, is truly a haven of tranquillity, where the stresses of everyday life are left behind as soon as you step in the door. To mirror the gorgeous natural surroundings of our wonderful estate. In our Spa we offer our Hydrotherapy suite with state of the are features and one of the biggest in the country.

Killashee is located close to three racecourses, the historic national visitor attractions and only 15 minutes from Newbridge Silver and Kildare Village.

What can we expect from Killashee Hotel over the next few years?

We will continue to invest into upgrading the facilities and these include Conference Suites. Killashee has established itself as an industry leader in the conferences and events sector working with a portfolio of leading international and local companies. The conference facilities at Killashee including conference rooms, meeting spaces and breakout rooms have been upgraded to feature new contemporary furnishings, AV systems, built in screens, LCD Projectors, Nespresso coffee machines and high speed WIFI. On the first floor, there are five meeting rooms centred around the relaxing Larkspur Lounge, ideal for coffee breaks, group discussions and networking. Naturally lit with daylight, these meeting rooms are equipped with AV, screens, stationery and Nespresso coffee machines.

Refurbishment of The Lockewood Suite, the main conference space with its own private reception, that can cater for 600 theatre style or 350 classroom style, will be completed by early August.

Our spa refurbishment has been thoughtfully designed to captivate and attract new clientele, setting the stage for an unforgettable wellness experience. Every detail of the renovation has been carefully considered to create an oasis of serenity and rejuvenation that appeals to discerning individuals seeking a retreat from their busy lives.

One exciting key project is a new addition to our accommodation as earlier this year, The Bower guest house across the road from the hotel was purchased. The refurbishment of this nine bedroom house on 4 acres is due to start on this very shortly. This is a will become a venue that can be booked by corporates, wedding parties or private groups.

What are the main challenges facing the industry currently?

The hospitality industry certainly has changed. Guest expectations have risen and hotels have had to work hard to meet and even exceed these standards

Sustainability is key and going green is an important part of our policies and the hotel has a separate green budget. Two combined heat and power (CHP) units are going into the property and it is also currently being assessed for solar panels. There are plans to utilise the expansive grounds for food produce in the future too.

I truly believe our people are hugely resilient in Killashee and throughout our industry.

We aim to cultivate perseverance to navigate challenges effectively by maintaining a positive mindset, stay adaptable, and view setbacks as learning opportunities. I aim to embrace a growth mindset that believes in the team’s ability to learn and improve.

We measure our customers and employees satisfaction regularly to further improve our service level to our people from our people.

This proactive approach is driven by the leadership of our CEO Mr David Kelly, a native from Kildare with a inspiring passion for hospitality.