Head Bartender/Bar Manager

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Job Title: Head Bartender/Bar Manager

Location: Gregans Castle Hotel, The Burren, Co. Clare, Ireland

Reports To: Deputy General Manager / General Manager

About Gregans Castle Hotel

Gregans Castle Hotel is a family-run, luxury country house hotel set in the heart of the Burren landscape. Known for its warm hospitality, exceptional dining, and relaxed elegance, the hotel attracts guests from around the world seeking an authentic and refined Irish experience. Our bar is a central part of that experience—where thoughtful drinks, storytelling, and atmosphere come together.

Role Overview

We are seeking a talented and passionate Head Bartender to lead and shape the bar experience at Gregans Castle Hotel. This role offers significant autonomy and creative freedom to develop a distinctive drinks program that reflects the character of the Burren, local producers, and the hotel’s culinary philosophy.

The Head Bartender will oversee the daily operation of the bar while designing seasonal cocktail menus, curating spirits and wine selections, and creating memorable experiences for our guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of the hotel bar, ensuring exceptional service and atmosphere.
• Design and develop a creative, seasonal cocktail program inspired by local ingredients, Irish spirits, and the Burren landscape.
• Curate and manage the bar’s spirits, liqueurs, and aperitif selection, with a focus on quality and discovery.
• Collaborate with the kitchen and management team to create drinks that complement the restaurant’s menu.
• Train, mentor, and inspire bar staff, maintaining high standards of service and product knowledge.
• Manage stock, ordering, and supplier relationships.
• Maintain financial responsibility for bar cost control and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Contribute ideas to enhance the overall guest experience within the hotel.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a senior bartender or head bartender in a high-quality hospitality environment.
• Creativity and passion for cocktail development and flavour.
• Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, modern techniques, and premium spirits.
• Interest in Irish spirits, local ingredients, and seasonal produce.
• Natural hospitality and an ability to engage warmly with guests.
• Strong leadership and team training skills.
• Organised, reliable, and capable of managing bar operations independently.
• A desire to contribute to a collaborative, quality-driven hotel environment.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to shape the bar program with real creative freedom.
• Work in one of Ireland’s most beautiful and distinctive landscapes.
• Subsidised Accommodation
• A supportive, passionate team committed to excellence in hospitality.
• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
• Staff meals and other benefits.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From €32,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Food allowance
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Experience:

• Luxury Hospitality: 3 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: In person