Our Team

Get to know some of our passionate County Arms team…

… each sharing their personal highlights of our hotel. From the splendid surroundings of The Georgian Drawing Room to the attention to detail in every guest room, discover what makes us stand out through the eyes of those who make it all possible.

Barry Kennedy, General Manager

Barry has been leading the County Arms team since 2021.

It has been a great privilege to return to the County Arms as General Manager, my career in hospitality started here back in 2001, when I spent seven years learning every element of the trade before venturing further afield. 

The County Arms really is a beautiful spot, and the renovations we have undertaken have significantly elevated our offering to guests. I love the peacefulness of the Potting Shed out in the gardens, and my favourite room is The Nest, I just think it’s an incredibly designed space. I really enjoy listening to all the action in the Sales and Reservations office, our team are incredibly dynamic and if you’re having a challenging day, it can be really motivating listening to the genuine connections they make with guests and clients. 

Now and then, I like to step away from the hustle and bustle with a flat white from Bar 62 and sit in the Georgian Drawing Room and  catch my breath for a few minutes. My favourite dish is the Bar 62 Seafood Chowder, a specialty of Alan, one of our incredible chefs.

Attending a good hurling match in St. Brendan’s Park is a great experience and one I would especially recommend to any visitors from outside of Ireland. The Slieve Bloom Mountains are an amazing amenity and so close to the County Arms, I love walking or cycling there at the weekend, the views are breathtaking and there’s nothing like being out in nature for the head. Of course, Birr Castle Demesne is beautiful and Banagher Marina is a lovely place to stroll around as well.

Inga Zilionyte, Housekeeping Manager

At 13 years and counting, Inga is one of the longest serving members of the County Arms team.

My favourite spot in the County Arms is the Georgian Drawing Room, it is so beautiful and peaceful, and I would recommend anyone staying with us should take a few minutes to sit and relax there. I really enjoy a glass of Belnor Sparkling Perry in Bar 62, it’s a delicious French pear version of bubbly, and I nearly always order the fish dishes, they’re the best in town!  

For a little change of scenery, when I have friends staying, I love to bring them to Vila in town which is my favourite spot for pancakes and waffles. Birr Castle Demesne is just super, I enjoy getting out for a walk and then popping into the award-winning Loft Café for coffee and desserts! They have a wonderful rooftop terrace which is the perfect spot on a sunny day.

Over my many years at the County Arms, I’ve come across so many interesting people from the community in Birr and beyond. I have met some of my closest friends through working here and I love to see people I know coming and going, especially now with all the renovations and refurbishment, the hotel and grounds are looking beautiful, and I am very proud to be part of the County Arms family.

Dee Smyth, Wedding Co-ordinator

Dee has been turning wedding dreams into reality at the County Arms for almost three years.

I’m sure everyone else is saying it too, but the Georgian Drawing Room is my favourite spot at the County Arms! It’s just stunning, with floor to ceiling windows and a huge fireplace there is nowhere better in the town to snuggle up by the fire with a good book and a coffee or a cold glass of Pinot Grigio from The Shaker Room. When I eat in Bar 62, I usually opt for the Goat’s Cheese Tartlet, the flaky pastry and creamy filling really sets you up for the rest of the day! 

My favourite place to shop in Birr are The Stables on Oxmantown Mall, it is a one stop shop for gorgeous fashion, beautiful gifts, and amazing food. I love to browse, they have  fabulous clothes, and incredible homewares, with lots of Irish designers, artists and makers featured, and the tea rooms are lovely. Birr Castle Demesne is the gem of the town, so much to see and do, you could spend days there, the Leviathan telescope and the Science Centre are fascinating.

I love working at the County Arms, we have a fantastic team and working in events means that every day is different, we are too busy to ever get bored! I genuinely love working with couples to bring their dream wedding to life, it’s such an honour to be part of someone’s special day. 

Gerard O’Riordan, Executive Head Chef

Our culinary maestro Ger has been with the County Arms for almost two years.

My favourite part of the hotel is the Walled Garden. No matter the season it is always full of life and colour, it’s so peaceful to wander around and clear the head, the perfect escape from a hot kitchen. I’m a man of simple pleasures, and a cold pint of Heineken is my beverage of choice. When I eat at Bar 62 or in Hackett’s, the Rack of Lamb is my go-to dish, it’s very special and we are proud to serve it to our diners. 

Brian Whelahan's Bar on Connaught Street is my favourite local spot in town. The pint never disappoints and it’s a great place to be for a hurling match, the food is spot on too.

I’m sure it is on everyone’s list, but Birr Castle Demesne is a superb amenity, it’s amazing and I never tire of visiting the Castle and strolling the grounds. Lough Boora is a close second though, absolutely worth a visit and so near the hotel. 

Everyday is different for us at the County Arms, our team are amazing to work with, they lift your spirits on a difficult day and all row in when something needs to be done. You couldn’t ask for more.

Padraig Monaghan, Front Office Manager

Padraig is one of our newest recruits and has been with the Country Arms for almost three months. 

The County Arms is a beautiful spot, the Georgian House, the gardens, and the new rooms are gorgeous, but my favourite hidden gem is the stunning stained-glass window above the Bar in Hackett’s, guests should go and find it when they’re dining. I start each morning with a latte and that gets me through to lunchtime, then I fill up on our Seafood Chowder, it’s my favourite lunchtime dish!

The Boathouse on the lake at Birr Castle Demesne is so tranquil and relaxing, but to really blow out the cobwebs there’s nothing like the Glenbarrow River and Waterfall Walk in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. 

I love working with the great team at the County Arms and I’m enjoying getting reacquainted with our local and regular guests.