Type of contract : Permanent Contract
Location : Cong, Mayo, Ireland
Activity : Other
Experience required : No information
Published on 07/05/2026
We are recruiting for a full-time Estate Manager to deliver exceptional guest experiences in line with Forbes Five-Star standards and The Red Carnation Hotels service philosophy.
Location: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland
Employment type: Full-time
Working pattern: 5 days over 7 days, with 2 days off
Salary: Competitive / DOE
Who are we?
Join Ashford Castle and become part of a legendary story. As Ireland’s only double Forbes Five-Star Hotel & Spa, Ashford Castle is a true icon of Irish heritage and a proud member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
Once home to the Guinness family, this 800-year-old castle offers world-class luxury, exceptional dining, award-winning spa experiences, and an extraordinary estate setting. Voted No. 1 Resort Hotel in the UK & Ireland by Travel + Leisure and proud to have retained the Forbes Five-Star award in 2025, Ashford Castle is where excellence lives.
Key Responsibilities of the Estate Manager will include:
- Leading and managing the Estate team, including weekly rostering and payroll sign-off.
- Ensuring all guests are welcomed warmly and professionally, delivering outstanding first impressions.
- Overseeing the smooth operation of guest arrivals, departures, and estate flow.
- Creating memorable “WOW” moments through personalised service and attention to detail.
- Supporting the development and delivery of estate programmes in line with Ashford Castle and Red Carnation standards.
- Promoting estate offerings and driving sales across retail, food & beverage, leisure, and hotel services.
- Maintaining strong relationships with external partners and internal hotel departments.
- Ensuring estate security, vehicle presentation, uniform standards, and operational safety.
- Supporting and delivering special events, team-building experiences, and promotional occasions.
- Upholding all Health & Safety, Fire, Security, and environmental standards.
What’s in it for you?
- Professional, award-winning training and development opportunities.
- Discounted accommodation rates across the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
- Annual Staff Appreciation Party and employee recognition events.
- Discounted rates with local businesses and estate services.
- Heavily subsidised accommodation (subject to availability).
- Free meals on duty.
- Complimentary dry cleaning of business attire.
- Recommend a friend & family bonus scheme.
- Two paid volunteering days each year.
- Holiday allowance increasing with service, up to 25 days.
- Hotel-based recognition incentives.
- Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme.
- Proven leadership experience in luxury hospitality, estate operations, or guest services.
- A guest-focused professional with excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Strong people management, rostering, and operational planning abilities.
- A proactive leader with a passion for delivering exceptional, personalised service.
- Excellent product knowledge and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- High standards of professionalism, presentation, and attention to detail.
- Flexibility to work across a 7-day operation, including weekends and peak periods.
With origins dating back to the 13th century, magnificent Ashford Castle has witnessed a rich and storied history, evolving from a medieval fortress to a grand retreat. Throughout the years, the castle has hosted royalty, nobility, and prominent figures, earning a reputation as one of Ireland's most iconic and celebrated landmarks.
The royal adventure begins as you enter through the grand stone gates of our Forbes Five-Star hotel. Now a proud part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the magnificent Ashford Castle has stood sentinel on the shores of Lough Corrib for over 800 years. With an estate of such spectacular proportions, every moment spent within its grounds creates indelible memories. Once home to the Guinness family and today a multi-generational resort, Ashford Castle is lovingly managed by a dedicated team that passionately cares about every single guest.
