Castleacre Insurance looks after a number of heritage hotels and guest houses. As part of our new series we are asking our clients to tell us what they enjoy about working in the hospitality sector and what it takes to ensure that their guests keep returning…

We were delighted to talk to Belleek Castle Hotel over the summer.

Designed by the legendary Irish Victorian architect, John Benjamin Keane, Belleek Castle is a 19th century neo-gothic wonder, set in ancient forest grounds in County Mayo.  While the hotel’s historic past has given it an undeniably romantic air,  the team at Belleek are focused on the future. Their award-winning hotel and restaurant delivers outstanding hospitality but with sustainability at the forefront, and a favourite project has been the development of their own productive kitchen gardens.

If you had to describe Belleek Castle in three words, what would they be?

Historic, unique and personal.

Unusually the hotel houses a small museum – which exhibit intrigues your guests most?

Guests are fascinated by the Marshall Doran Collection, particularly the collection of medieval armour, weapons and maritime antiques. What makes the museum so intriguing is that it reflects one man’s lifetime of collecting and his remarkable vision for Belleek Castle. The crowning piece of the Marshall Doran Collection is the magnificent bed associated with Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen. Its scale, craftsmanship and remarkable story always capture our guests’ imaginations.

You have an award-winning team working at your restaurant and café who use lots of locally sourced ingredients. What in your opinion is the best dish on the menu?

It has to be our signature Drunken Bullock. The fillet steak is flambéed at the table on a fifteenth century sword. It combines excellent local produce with a little theatre and captures the character of dining at Belleek perfectly. 

You place a strong focus on sustainability at Belleek – where has this had the biggest impact on your business?

Our polytunnels and beehives have made a particularly visible difference. We grow herbs, fruit and vegetables on the estate for use in our kitchens, while our bees support local biodiversity and produce Belleek honey. It connects our chefs more closely with the seasons and allows guests to see where some of their food begins. 

The team at Belleek Castle have put a great deal of thought into designing the interiors – which room in the hotel is your favourite and can you explain what you particularly like about it?

The Medieval Banqueting Hall. It is dramatic yet warm, with carved wood, candlelight and centuries of character in every detail. When the room is filled with guests for dinner or a wedding, it feels wonderfully alive. There is nowhere else quite like it. 

The hotel has an extensive estate, which part of the grounds or garden do your guest enjoy the most?

Guests particularly enjoy the woodland paths along the River Moy and our Fairy Trail, which begins beside the pond. It is especially popular with families and brings a little magic to the natural beauty of the estate. 

You host luxury weddings at Belleek Castle – what is the most interesting request you have had from wedding guests?

One of our most memorable requests was to have two Valais Blacknose sheep as ring bearers. The sheep walked down the aisle carrying the rings as a surprise for the bride, who had always loved the breed. It was personal, unexpected and completely unforgettable. 

What three must-see places are there in County Mayo you recommend to your visitors?

Downpatrick Head for its dramatic cliffs and sea stack, the Céide Fields for a glimpse into more than five thousand years of Mayo’s history, and Foxford Woollen Mills for its craftsmanship, heritage and strong connection to the county.

What do you like about working with Castleacre Insurance?

From the outset Castleacre have been extremely professional to deal with. They took time to visit the castle and understand our insurance needs then sourced a policy that fully covers our requirements. Any questions or queries are responded to very promptly.

Learn more about our Bespoke Hotel Insurance Services