Gardener

Ashford Castle; Cong; On-site; EUR 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted accommodation rates with RC

Free meals on duty

Employee volunteering days

Health & wellbeing support

Job summary

Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo, Ireland is recruiting for a Fixed-Term Full-Time Gardener. You will join the Estate and Kitchen Garden team, supporting the production of fresh seasonal produce for our award-winning dining experiences.

Working with Head Gardener and two colleagues, you will maintain grounds, participate in crop planning, and help sustain Forbes Five-Star standards across Ashford Castle and The Lodge. This role requires a passion for gardening and sustainable food production.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years’ experience in a garden environment.
• Ideally experience in organic growing methods.
• General knowledge of crop production and seasonal growing cycles.
• Level 5 qualification in Horticulture (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the Estate Kitchen Gardens.
• Sowing, planting, and soil preparation across productive areas.
• Weeding, cultivating, and maintaining garden beds to a high standard.
• Harvesting seasonal produce for the kitchens.
• Assisting with crop planning and rotation as directed.
• Maintaining garden grounds, pathways, and growing structures.
• Working safely and in line with Health & Safety standards.
• Assisting the gardening team with seasonal tasks.

Skills

Gardening experience

Organic growing

Attention to detail

Education

Level 5 in Horticulture

Job description

Gardener – Luxury 5* Hotel

We are recruiting for a Fixed-Term Full-Time Gardener to support our Estate and Kitchen Garden team in maintaining and developing the beautiful grounds and productive gardens across our properties, in line with the Forbes Five Star standards and The Red Carnation Hotels standards.

Working alongside Head Gardener Alex Lavarde and a dedicated team of two gardeners, this role supports both Ashford Castle and The Lodge at Ashford Castle. The kitchen gardens proudly supply fresh seasonal produce to our Executive Head Chefs, Liam Finnegan at Ashford Castle and Jonathan Keane at The Lodge, contributing directly to our award-winning dining experiences.

Location: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland.

Employment type: Full-Time

Working pattern: 5 days over 7 (including some weekends and Bank Holidays) - 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Who are we?

Join Ashford Castle and become part of a legendary story. As Ireland’s only double Forbes Five-Star Hotel & Spa, Ashford Castle is a true icon of Irish heritage and a proud member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Beyond its grand stone gates lies an unforgettable experience. Once home to the Guinness family, this 800-year-old castle offers award-winning luxury, exceptional dining, a world-class spa, and a passionate team dedicated to creating unforgettable moments.

Voted No. 1 Resort Hotel in the UK & Ireland by Travel + Leisure and proud to have retained the Forbes Five-Star award in 2026.

Key responsibilities of the Gardener will include:

• Supporting the daily operations of the Estate Kitchen Gardens.
• Sowing, planting, and soil preparation across productive areas.
• Weeding, cultivating, and maintaining garden beds to a high standard.
• Harvesting seasonal produce for the kitchens.
• Assisting with crop planning and rotation as directed.
• Maintaining garden grounds, pathways, and growing structures.
• Working safely and efficiently in line with company Health & Safety standards.
• Assisting the existing gardening team with all seasonal tasks as required.
• Ensuring the gardens reflect the exceptional standards of both properties.

What we are looking for?

• 1–2 years’ experience working in a garden environment.
• Ideally experience in organic growing methods.
• General knowledge of crop production and seasonal growing cycles.
• Level 5 qualification in Horticulture (desirable).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small, collaborative team.
• A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and pride in maintaining high standards.
• A genuine passion for gardening and sustainable food production.

What’s in it for you?

• Professional, award winning training and development opportunities.
• Discounted accommodation rates with Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
• Employee Recognition Events.
• Discounted rates with many local businesses and third party service providers (including Estate Activities).
• Heavily subsidised accommodation (subject to availability).
• Free meals on duty.
• Complimentary dry cleaning of business attire.
• Recommend friend and family bonus scheme.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• Holiday allowance increasing with length of service up to 25 days.
• Hotel based recognition incentives.
• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Red Carnation Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

As part of the recruitment process, we may electronically scan and securely store a copy of your passport, visa and/or ID card for the purpose of verifying the authenticity of the document and establishing your Right to Work in the Republic of Ireland, in line with statutory requirements.

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