Martin Gibbons celebrates 50 years working at Ashford Castle

As the Maître d’ of Ashford Castle, Martin Gibbons has witnessed the evolution of this iconic venue through its numerous owners, each contributing to its storied history. Discover Martin's story from this journal entry where we discuss the trajectory of his career, standout moments and what Ashford Castle means to him. How did your journey with Ashford Castle begin? I started at Ashford Castle in 1974 when I was just 18 years old. My first role was as a commis waiter, where I did everything from polishing glasses to setting up the dining room. It's been 50 years now, and I've worked my way up to being the Maître d’ at the George V Dining Room. Your family has a long history with Ashford Castle. Can you tell us more about that? Yes, my connection to the castle goes back generations. My grandfather was a gamekeeper for the Guinness family in the early 1900s, and my father worked on the grounds after the Guinness family left. It's been like a second home for us, and I'm proud to continue the tradition. Martin Gibbons as a child with his parents, Paddy and Josie, and sister, Marie, on the Ashford estate You've seen many changes at the castle over the years. What stands out the most? One significant change was the refurbishment in the 1970s by the Mulcahy family, which added 44 bedrooms and a nine-hole golf course. More recently, the Tollman family’s €100 million renovation in 2013 took the castle to ultra-luxury status, with additions like a cinema and spa. These changes have secured the castle's future for many years to come.

Martin Gibbons marks 50 years at Ashford Castle

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