Killyclogher native heading up five-star luxury resort

KILLYCLOGHER native, Niall Burns has been making waves in Co Kilkenny where he heads up the 5- Star luxury Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny. The luxury hotel situated on the edge of the famous medieval city of Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s finest resorts.

Niall took up the position of general manager just over 12 months ago and since that time has overseen some major renovations including the creation of a brand-new accommodation wing, the complete overhaul of the 139 bedrooms and the latest addition, ‘Lady Charlotte’s Tea Rooms’.

“Over the last three years the property has had significant investment and some €5 million has been spent on various upgrades which has seen the property go from a 4- Star to a 5-Star hotel,” said Niall.

“I am proud to be leading a team of dedicated people who love hospitality and are at the top of their game when it comes to providing our discerning guests with a world class hospitality experience. It’s been a big move for my family, but we have been made very welcome here and our new baby boy has even been claimed as a ‘Kilkenny Cat’ with reference to the famous hurlers that compete here!”

Niall has extensive experience in hospitality and worked for many years with The Hastings Group, Northern Ireland’s premier hotel group.

He was the former deputy general manager and previous operations manager at the 4-Star, Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Co Down and also worked in The Culloden Estate and Spa and at the famous Europa Hotel in Belfast.

In 2013 he was recognised as one of the leading up and coming hospitality managers by The LCN Magazine and was awarded the Trainee Manager of The Year Title.

Further to this, whilst resort beverage manager at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa Niall won the Bar Manager of the Year title at the Institute of Hospitality Awards in 2015.

Niall’s focus and major plans are to continue the 5-Star development of Lyrath Estate and Spa and to develop an industry leading team. As General Manager, Niall Burns now heads up a team of 250 staff.

• For more on Lyrath Estate see www.lyrath.com