Pictured left to right: Mick and Robin Boyle (Owners), Michael and Pauline Boyle (Micks Parents) and Jason Foody (General Manager)
South Armagh couple return for the grand opening of Killeavy Castle Estate.
The 4-star luxury Killeavy Castle Estate has officially opened. After leaving Killeavy in South Armagh over 50 years ago to settle in Australia, Michael and Pauline Boyle have returned home this month to cut the ribbon at the official opening ceremony of the newly developed Killeavy Castle Estate. The once derelict Estate bought by their son Mick and his wife Robin in 2013 has undergone a comprehensive restoration and building programme creating a world-class hospitality destination.
Set on 350 acres, the Estate has been lovingly developed into a luxury country retreat – with the restored 19th-century Killeavy Castle as the centrepiece. New developments of a modern 45-bedroomed hotel, spa, restaurant, bar, walled garden and café and an event space for up to 220 people all complete the picturesque Killeavy Castle Estate. Only an hour’s drive from Dublin or Belfast, this peaceful oasis is ideal for a rejuvenating escape, castle wedding or function, corporate meeting or conference.
“South Armagh has always been a special place for Pauline and I and we are so happy to be able to return to open this hotel that will showcase its beauty to the world.” Says Michael Boyle Senior.
Killeavy Castle Estate is a food lovers delight, delivering the farm-to-fork ethos in the hotel’s restaurant, bar and café. Fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs are picked daily from the vast walled garden or foraged from the extensive onsite woodlands. Estate Cheviot lamb and Longhorn beef are also regularly part of the offerings. From fine dining to casual meals, there is a culinary experience to suit everyone within the laid-back ambience of the rural setting.
“Local, fresh and unique is what we do here at Killeavy Castle Estate” says Executive Chef Darragh Dooley. “I believe good food is all about combining fresh natural flavours and produce in an imaginative way, and that’s what we offer here every day”.
“Killeavy Castle Estate is special in this region and our aim is to become a leading destination for those that holiday within the island of Ireland but also to become a go-to destination for the discerning international traveller be this of leisure, business or wellness,” says General Manager Jason Foody. “We want all our guests to get closer to what’s important to them, be this food, nature, history or total relaxation. As well as being a luxury rural retreat, Killeavy Castle Estate is also an ideal venue for corporate events with a range of meeting and reception spaces.”
Now employing nearly 100 staff, the business gives South Armagh the opportunity to showcase its warm welcomes, local produce and majestic landscape. Owner Mick Boyle, says “The aim of developing Killeavy Castle Estate as a world-class destination, is now coming to fruition. Already we have had a significant number of international guests. They have all loved it here at Killeavy and wished they could have stayed longer.”