Let’s get personal
We’re all different. Every member of the team has their own secret for making a visit to Wineport Lodge special…
Ask General Manager, Norma Wilson about the rich photography of the lake that adorns the Lodge.
Ask Kash Caleecharrun who leads our restaurant team about the coveted Captain’s Table.
Ask Accommodation Manager, Gwen O’Neill about local beauty spots you can see from your room.
Ask Christine Mannion, Cedarwood Spa Manager about the spa’s unique signature treatments
And whatever you ask for… Front of House Manager, Aileen Mimnagh makes sure it happens.
Owners Ray & Jane
I opened Wineport Lodge with my wife Jane back in 1993. It started as a cozy little restaurant, but like most good ideas, it snowballed. We added rooms, then a spa, and eventually, we became an award-winning boutique hotel. Somewhere along the way, we stopped just serving dinner and started serving dreams—albeit with a side of mashed potatoes. It's been an amazing ride, full of hard work, long hours, and trying to convince guests that yes, we really do have the best breakfast in Ireland (we do, by the way). In the mid-2000s, I got the itch to spread my wings even further, so I started a consultancy business. My job was to help investors figure out how to open hotels, which meant I got to be involved in some pretty exciting projects. One of my proudest moments was helping create The Ice House in Ballina—imagine a place where you can stay in luxury while also pretending to be a polar explorer (minus the freezing temperatures). I also helped out with Lisloughrey Lodge in Cong, which eventually became The Lodge at Ashford Castle. If you haven’t heard of Ashford Castle, I’ll just leave that here as a humble brag. It’s kind of a big deal. Fast forward to 2013, and I partnered up with my good friend Eoin Doyle to create NHance. We were determined to take advantage of the hospitality boom and do something a little different. We ended up building a diverse portfolio of properties, each with its own quirky charm. One of our big projects was launching the REZz micro-hotel brand. Think of it as the hotel version of a perfectly brewed espresso—compact, efficient, and designed to give you exactly what you need without any fluff. We also took the reins at The Club Hotel at Goffs, which, as you can imagine, involves a lot of fancy events and a whole lot of glitz and glamour. Now, despite my reputation as a bit of a workaholic, I do manage to carve out time for a few of my favorite hobbies—mostly involving golf courses, cafes, marinas, and car showrooms. Some might call it “distraction,” I call it “research.” Whether I’m pretending to be a golf pro, sipping coffee while people-watching, or ogling the latest sports car (I can dream, right?), it all helps keep the work-life balance... balanced. Because, at the end of the day, I firmly believe that a well-rested hotel owner is a much better hotel owner. I’d be remiss not to mention the incredible people who make all of this possible—our staff. At Wineport Lodge, NHance, and all our properties, it’s the team that really brings everything to life. They’re the ones who greet guests with smiles, serve up world-class breakfasts, and make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes while I’m busy trying to figure out which golf course I’ll pretend to play next. They’re the heart and soul of the business, and without them, I’d probably still be stuck in the kitchen trying to perfect my pancake flip while scrambling to remember where I left my phone.. I like to think of our staff as more than just employees—they’re part of the family. In fact, some of them have been with us so long, I’m convinced they know the place better than I do. And it’s not just about hard work—it’s about creating a positive, fun environment where everyone feels like they’re part of something special. Sure, we’ve got our fair share of mishaps and late-night problem-solving sessions (mostly when the Wi-Fi goes down), but that’s what makes us a team. We laugh, we learn, and we always work together to make sure our guests have the best experience possible. Because, as I often say, if you can’t laugh at yourself while running a hotel, you’re in the wrong business!
Spa Manager Christine Byrne
"As the Spa Manager at Wineport Lodge, I have the privilege of overseeing a truly exceptional spa experience for our guests. It’s an honor to work in such a stunning location where tranquility and luxury meet, and I am passionate about ensuring that each guest leaves feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and pampered. Our team is like a family, and I take great pride in fostering an environment where every therapist and staff member feels supported and empowered to deliver their best. We are committed to tailoring our treatments to meet the individual needs of each guest, and it's incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we have on their well-being. Wineport Lodge is not just a workplace for me—it's a place where I can share my love for wellness and hospitality. My goal is to create an oasis where people can unwind, relax, and truly disconnect from the stresses of daily life. The continuous support from Wineport's management team allows us to maintain the highest standards of service, and I’m fortunate to work in such a collaborative and inspiring environment. It’s been a joy to witness the growth and success of our spa, and I look forward to continuing to offer exceptional experiences to every guest who walks through our doors."