Restaurant Dining at Kilronan Castle Estate
Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa is built on a foundation of unforgettable gastronomic delights created by Executive Head Chef Daniel Willimont and from our award-winning kitchen. With unrivaled service and unbeatable settings, ours is a truly spectacular location for everything from casual bites with friends, to very special dinners with family.
Whether you’re fine-dining in the revered Douglas Hyde Restaurant, snacking in the classic surroundings of the Drawing Room or taking afternoon tea next to the piano in the Palm Court, enjoy being looked after in style by some of the best chefs and waiters that Ireland has to offer. With a variety of mouthwatering menus, spectacular locations, private dining and impeccable locally-sourced produce, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
Introducing Our Award-Winning Executive Head Chef, Daniel Willimont
We are delighted to share the exciting news that our Executive Head Chef, Daniel Willimont, has been awarded ‘Ireland’s Chef of the Year’ at the 2025 Gold Medal Hotel Awards – an honour that reflects the very pinnacle of culinary achievement in Ireland. This remarkable accolade marks a proud moment for the entire team at Kilronan Castle.
Over the past five years, Daniel has led our kitchens with vision, discipline, and a deep respect for local ingredients. During this time, Kilronan Castle has earned numerous awards in recognition of our unwavering commitment to exceptional food and service. Adding this prestigious Gold Medal Award to our collection is both an honour and a testament to Chef Daniel’s tireless dedication to elevating the guest dining experience.
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion
Executive Head Chef Daniel Willimont is originally from the UK. Daniel began his career in the industry by attending The Royal College of Catering in Cheltenham, England. He spent his weekends doing extra stages in kitchens alongside Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsey as well as reputable Bakeries and Butchers gaining valuable experience that would stand with him throughout his professional career in the Kitchen.
He began his career in the Hotel & Catering industry in fine dining restaurants and hotels, in the beautiful scenic region of the Cotswolds, England. Daniels plan was to temporarily re-locate to Ireland in 2003 after finishing work in a 2 Michelin Star restaurant he wanted to re-charge his batteries and focus on his international travels. His mother originally from Waterford and father from London were building a house in Mayo in which he lent a hand throughout the development, he fell in love with Ireland during this time and you could say, the rest is history…
A Philosophy Grounded in Irish Produce
Daniel is classically trained in French Cuisine; however throughout his life travels he has gained a wider collection of skills not only with cooking and preparing food but also in the understanding of methods and use of ingredients. Daniels strong passion for all elements of cooking have led him to developing garden and estate grown produce which reinforces his ethos of using only locally sourced produce and home grown ingredients for his dishes. Throughout Daniels career he has grown and developed businesses from small operations to successfully achieving Michelin BIB Gourmand status.
An admirable achiever, Daniel is the proud holder of various awards and accolades including Gold Medal Hotel Awards Ireland’s Chef of the Year 2025 and 2024, Silver Award in ‘Ireland’s Chef of the Year’ Gold Medal Hotel Awards 2023, Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant at the Gold Medal Awards 2022, Best Restaurant & Best Chef in Connacht, he also maintained 1 & 2 stars in Michelin properties. Daniel is a member of Good Food Ireland and Euro-Toque, who are a community of chefs, cooks & producers, preserving the culinary Irish heritage and Inspiring future professionals. His commitment to a property is undeniable, his enthusiasm and determination to drive his vision in order for it achieve the very best it can possibly achieve has been apparent throughout his career.
Looking Ahead: A New Culinary Chapter at Kilronan Castle
We are thrilled to share that a very special dining experience is coming soon to Kilronan Castle.
We are delighted to introduce our new signature restaurant, ‘Lady Frances’ – an immersive, experience-driven dining concept created under Chef Daniel’s vision. Lady Frances will showcase the finest local produce, estate-grown ingredients, and culinary craftsmanship found only here on our castle grounds.
