Head Gardener

Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate; Newmarket on Fergus; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate in Ireland is seeking a Head Gardener to lead the care, presentation and evolution of our renowned gardens. This senior, hands-on role combines practical horticultural expertise with strategic planning and team leadership to maintain a garden of distinction.

The successful candidate will guide the garden team, design annual and seasonal programmes, and uphold high standards of safety and sustainability across all garden operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years' experience as Head Gardener or Assistant Head Gardener in a high-quality garden environment.
• Proven track record managing prestigious private estates, historic gardens or significant public gardens.
• Excellent plant knowledge and practical horticultural skills.
• Understanding of the principles of organic gardening.
• Full clean driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the day-to-day presentation, maintenance and performance of all garden areas.
• Design and deliver annual and seasonal horticultural work programmes aligned with the estate's standards and objectives.
• Maintain and continually enhance the formal gardens, herbaceous borders, kitchen and vegetable gardens, seasonal displays, topiary, hedging and lawns.
• Oversee the propagation of nursery stock, seed germination and plant production for resort displays and planting schemes.
• Monitor the gardens and glasshouses for pests and diseases.
• Develop planting plans and contribute ideas for the ongoing enhancement of the gardens.
• Lead, motivate and develop a dedicated garden team.
• Identify training and development opportunities and support the progression of team members.
• Assist with the recruitment, induction and retention of gardening personnel.
• Ensure all horticultural operations are carried out safely and in line with Health & Safety legislation and estate procedures.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance and safe use of garden machinery, vehicles, tools and lifting equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Horticulture expertise

Strategic planning

Team management

Plant knowledge

Education

QQI Level 6 Certificate in Horticulture

Tools

Garden machinery (mowers, strimmer, leaf blower, hedge trimmers)

Job description

Dromoland Castle Resort is currently seeking an accomplished and highly motivated Head Gardener to lead the care, presentation and continued evolution of its exceptional gardens. The successful candidate will provide confident horticultural leadership, oversee the garden team and support the resort's long-term vision for excellence.

This is a hands‑on senior appointment, combining exceptional practical horticultural expertise with strategic planning, team leadership and the ongoing development of a garden of real distinction.

Principal Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for the day-to-day presentation, maintenance and performance of all garden areas.
• Design and deliver annual and seasonal horticultural work programmes aligned with the estate's standards and objectives.
• Maintain and continually enhance the formal gardens, herbaceous borders, kitchen and vegetable gardens, seasonal displays, topiary, hedging and lawns.
• Oversee the propagation of nursery stock, seed germination and plant production for resort displays and planting schemes.
• Monitor the gardens and glasshouses for pests and diseases.
• Develop planting plans and contribute ideas for the ongoing enhancement of the gardens.
• Lead, motivate and develop a dedicated garden team.
• Identify training and development opportunities and support the progression of team members.
• Assist with the recruitment, induction and retention of gardening personnel.
• Ensure all horticultural operations are carried out safely and in line with Health & Safety legislation and estate procedures.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance and safe use of garden machinery, vehicles, tools and lifting equipment.

Candidate Profile

• A minimum of five years' experience as a Head Gardener or Assistant Head Gardener in a high-quality garden environment.
• A proven track record in the management of prestigious private estates, historic gardens or significant public gardens.
• Broad practical knowledge of:
• Amenity horticulture
• Kitchen and vegetable gardens
• Herbaceous planting
• Seasonal displays
• Topiary and formal gardens
• Lawns, trees and ornamental planting
• Nursery propagation
• Excellent plant knowledge and practical horticultural skills.
• Exceptional leadership, organisational and people-management capability.
• A practical, highly proactive approach, underpinned by meticulous attention to detail.
• A thorough understanding of Health & Safety requirements in horticultural operations.
• To have a good knowledge of Castle Gardens and history in order to conduct garden show arounds to guests.
• Get involved in the hotel's sustainability team and green program in line with our ambition to be carbon neutral.

Qualifications

Essential

• QQI Level 6 Certificate in Horticulture (or equivalent recognised qualification).
• Full clean driving licence.
• Excellent plant knowledge and a good level of understanding of their cultivation, maintenance, propagation and management.
• A good understanding of the principles of organic gardening

Desirable

• Higher qualification in Horticulture, Arboriculture or a related discipline.
• Relevant pesticide qualification PA1 & PA6
• Competent in the use of garden machinery such as mowers, strimmer, leaf blower, hedge trimmers etc

Personal Attributes

• A genuine passion for horticulture and an uncompromising commitment to excellence.
• The presence, judgement and interpersonal skills to lead, inspire and support a skilled team.
• A highly organised approach, with strong planning, prioritisation and delivery skills.
• A practical, solutions-focused mindset and the confidence to take ownership.
• Self‑motivated and capable of working independently.
• Professional, discreet and trustworthy.
• A commitment to exceptional presentation standards, continuous improvement and the long‑term stewardship of the gardens.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in Ireland for the duration of their employment.