Sommelier

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection; Cong; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional training

Discounted staff rates

Staff party

Volunteer days

25 days holiday

Free meals on duty

Dry cleaning of attire

Employee assistance program

Refer a friend bonus

Job summary

Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo, Ireland, is seeking a full-time Sommelier to deliver exceptional wine service in line with Forbes Five Star standards.

The role includes wine service for lunch and dinner, inventory care, private tastings, and guest-focused recommendations, with 5 days over 7 including weekends.

The ideal candidate has at least 1 year in hospitality and a WSET Level 2; strong communication and flexibility are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience in hospitality or fine dining.
• Wine knowledge and service excellence expected.

Responsibilities

• Consistently meet and exceed guest expectations in wine and beverage service.
• Prepare the dining room for wine service at lunch and dinner to high standards.
• Maintain accurate inventory of wines and spirits.
• Care for glassware and equipment daily.
• Conduct private wine tastings in the historic cellar.
• Deliver knowledgeable and attentive wine service to guests.
• Provide confident recommendations and respond to requests professionally.
• Offer personalised service and anticipate guest needs.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Guest service

Communication skills

Flexibility

Education

WSET Level 2 preferred

Job description

Sommelier – Luxury Hotel

We are recruiting for a full time Sommelierto provide quality service to our guests, in line with the Forbes Five Star standards and The Red Carnation Hotels standards.

Location: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland.

Employment type: Full time.

Working pattern:5 days over 7 days (including weekends & Bank Holidays) and 2 days off.

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 2025.

Key responsibilities of the Sommelier will include:

• Consistently meet and exceed guest expectations in the service of wines and beverages.
• Prepare the George V Dining Room for lunch and dinner wine service to the highest standard.
• Maintain accurate inventory of all wines and spirits.
• Ensure the correct care and maintenance of glassware and equipment is carried out daily.
• Conduct private wine tastings in our historic cellar.
• Deliver knowledgeable, precise, and attentive wine service to every guest.
• Ensure guest satisfaction by offering confident recommendations and responding promptly and professionally to requests and concerns.
• Provide exceptional guest care and personalised service at all times, anticipating needs and taking proactive steps to exceed expectations wherever possible.

The ideal candidate for the Sommelier position will:

• Have a minimum 1 year previous experience in a hospitality setting/fine dining setting.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in wine; a relevant qualification WSET L2 is preferred.
• Possess a warm, outgoing, and approachable personality.
• Be enthusiastic, adaptable, and flexible with working hours, available to work 5 days across a 7 day period (weekends & Bank Holidays included).
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Show strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Be legally eligible to work in Ireland.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage workload efficiently.

What's in it for you?

• Professional, award winning training and development opportunities
• Discounted accommodation rates with Red Carnation Hotel Collection
• Annual Staff Appreciation Party and other 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

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.