1. Where exactly are you from tell us a little bit about your background.
I am from a small town outside Tallinn, Estonia, in Northern Europe, where I spent my summers helping my grandmother with her small farm, helping her harvest crops and farm chickens and cows. Farming and the countryside have always been close to my heart and I learnt this at an early age through my grandmother. Working in Killeavy Castle Estate gives me wonderful memories of my childhood and I always remember to wish our Longhorn Cows good morning when I pass them on the driveway up to the Castle!
In moving to Dublin, Ireland for the first time in 2008 I fell in love with the nature, culture and warm Irish hospitality that is instilled throughout its people. I first started working in hospitality when I was 19 in a small boutique hotel in Tallinn and I knew hospitality was for me! Since then, I have worked in 5-star exclusive hotels across Europe in a range of roles listing from Food and Beverage Manager to Wedding Coordinator and now find myself in my dream role of Events Manager in Killeavy Castle Estate in my husband’s home County Armagh!
2. What exactly does your position in Killeavy Castle Estate entail?
I am the Events Manager at Killeavy Castle Estate. It is my responsibility to conduct the events department and to ensure that each event we host meets the expectation of our guests, whether this is a corporate event, family celebration or wedding. 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 pass all the confirmed details 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.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have a passion for weddings and working closely with our brides and grooms on the most important day of their lives is something I treasure. Working with our couples over the years and then watching their dreams come true on their wedding day is an incredibly rewarding feeling. I relish creating lifelong memories for these couples and their families, and I am incredibly proud of all the team in Killeavy Castle Estate involved in delivering these events.
4. What do you love most about Killeavy Castle Estate?
Killeavy Castle Estate incorporates everything I fell in love with Ireland for, the scenic, mystic nature tied in with my own countryside upbringing, I really have found my happy place! It truly has to be experienced to be understood. I love to see the colours of the Estate renew with each new season, and how these changes are embraced and echoed throughout its daily operations. I enjoy watching our guests relax and unwind on the Estate, knowing they are getting closer to what is important.
5. What is an interesting fact about you?
In 2015, I was delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist for the Institute of Hospitality Janus Awards for 'Manager of the Year' while working on the picturesque north coast of Ireland. This was an incredibly proud achievement of mine. I look forward to continued success with Killeavy Castle Estate and striving to achieve some personal and team awards in the years to come.