A number of key appointments have been made to the Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa culinary and restaurant management teams, marking an exciting new chapter for the hotel’s celebrated dining experiences at the Lake View Restaurant, the Heights Lounge and The View Bar & Terrace.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the lakes and mountains of Killarney, the hotel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular settings for dining experiences. The new appointments signal a renewed focus on creativity, seasonality and the celebration of local produce.
Leading the culinary team is Cyrille Durand, who returns to Aghadoe Heights as Executive Head Chef. Cyrille’s relationship with the hotel spans two decades, having first joined over 20 years ago, where he progressed from Senior Chef de Partie to Sous Chef. He returned again in 2011 as Head Pastry Chef before taking on the Sous Chef role once more. Since then, Cyrille has built an impressive career as Executive Head Chef at several leading hotels, including Killeen House Hotel, The Dromhall & Randles Hotels, and The Great Southern Hotel. He also spent two years honing his craft at the acclaimed Dunbrody House working alongside renowned chef Kevin Dundon.
Commenting on his return, Cyrille said: “I’m very excited to return to my roots, where I gained such wonderful training and experience. I’ve always held an emotional affinity with Aghadoe and I’m delighted to be back to lead such an outstanding, creative culinary team. For me, cooking is about showcasing Ireland’s best produce. At the heart of our menus is a commitment to local sourcing, championing our producers and the incredible stories behind their craft. Guests can expect vibrant, seasonal dishes that put our region’s treasures front and centre.”
Under Cyrille’s leadership, new menus focused on locally sourced produce have been introduced in both the fine dining Lake Room Restaurant and in the The Heights Lounge – an elegant yet informal relaxed dining space. This month also sees the introduction of a new elegant individual four-course Afternoon Tea that offers a journey of savoury and sweet creations with delicate flavours and elegant, artistic pâtisserie craftsmanship. Plans are also underway for a series of culinary events throughout the year, offering guests innovative and one-off dining experiences.
Supporting the hotel’s culinary vision is Garvin Crowley who joins the team as Lake View Restaurant Manager. The Shannon College of Hotel Management graduate, brings international experience from Maison Dali Restaurant in Dubai and he was a key member of the pre-opening team at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, which achieved a Michelin star during his tenure.
These culinary appointments form part of a wider programme of exciting developments at Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, including the upgrading of Garden Suites, a new spa team and new treatments facilities and experiences at The Spa at Aghadoe, with further enhancements planned across the property.
Commentings, GM of the hotel Brian Bowler, who took to the helm a year ago and is leading the exciting developments, said: “These new appointments represent an exciting chapter for Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa. The calibre of talent, innovative ideas and experience gained in leading restaurants and hotels will further elevate our dining experiences. Our guests can look forward to exceptional standards, creativity and a renewed sense of excitement across all of our food offerings.”
Located just outside Killarney town, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa is a five-star luxury destination renowned for its exceptional service, world-class spa, fine dining and commitment to sustainability. With its panoramic views, beautifully appointed rooms and tranquil atmosphere, the hotel continues to be a sought-after retreat for both leisure and corporate guests in County Kerry. www.aghadoeheights.com
