Meet The Team

Sorcha Kelly

My role

As the Café Manager at Montalto Estate, I oversee the day-to-day operations of The Café, ensuring exceptional service and a memorable customer experience. Leading a skilled and enthusiastic team, I focus on training, motivating, and fostering a positive work environment. I also work closely with Oonagh, our Head Chef, to maintain high food quality and continuously explore new ways to enhance our guests’ experience.

My favourite thing about Montalto

The breathtaking beauty of the estate is undeniable. Surrounded by nature, history, and a sense of tranquility, Montalto feels like a world of its own. It’s a place that brings people together, offering something special for everyone who visits.

Away from work

In my free time, I enjoy travelling and discovering hidden gems across Northern Ireland and Europe. I have a passion for walking, especially by the sea, where I can unwind and reconnect with nature.

Oonagh Halferty

My role

As Head Chef at the Montalto Estate, I create seasonal menus that showcase fresh, homegrown produce. Working closely with our Head Gardener, Lesley, and her team, ensures I have access to the freshest ingredients and a connection to the food’s origins. I also collaborate with our Cafe Manager, Sorcha, to craft the best possible dining experience for our guests.

My favourite thing about Montalto

The breathtaking surroundings and the tranquility of peaceful walks. Having a kitchen garden to inspire and shape my menus is an incredible privilege.

Away from work

In my spare time, I love to travel and explore new cultures, particularly in Southeast Asia, where I have discovered many fresh culinary techniques and flavours. I’m also a passionate gardener at home and always have a DIY project on the go.

Victoria Ward

My role

As the Marketing Manager for Montalto Estate and The Carriage Rooms, I’m tasked with overseeing all aspects of marketing, including event promotion, branding, and advertising, to effectively communicate our offerings to visitors and members. My role is not only focused on current marketing initiatives but also on shaping the future direction of our marketing strategy.

With a broad array of services and attractions available to the public, I’m responsible for crafting a long-term marketing strategy that supports Montalto Estate’s growth and continued development as a leading tourist attraction.

My favourite thing about Montalto

What I love most about Montalto Estate is wandering through the trails and gardens, listening to the soothing sounds of nature—it’s the perfect way to unwind during my lunch break. The Estate transforms with each passing season, each more stunning than the last. No matter how often you visit, there’s always something new to discover.

Away from work

In my free time, I love getting out into nature, whether it’s exploring familiar trails or discovering new ones on the weekends. Lately, my favourite activities include visiting coffee shops and browsing home stores for items to decorate my new home.

Natalia Maxwell

My role

As Events & Venues Manager my role varies from day to day, from the very popular events run in Montalto House to a stunning wedding in The Carriage Rooms, no two days are the same. I oversee the events taking place in our two venues, Montalto Estate and The Carriage Rooms and throughout the estate overall.
My role is fast-paced and very rewarding. From the moment we meet a client, to the end of the event, we will be on hand to ensure a smooth and successful event or a wedding.

My favourite thing about Montalto

The surroundings. Montalto Estate is simply stunning.
I am an avid outdoors person, and this is what attracted me to Montalto in the first place. From the Formal Garden to the Boat House, there is such a beautiful range of nature at its finest, groomed to perfection by our gardeners. Whether it be an event in Montalto House or the exclusive grounds of The Carriage Rooms, the continuous change that comes with each season is simply stunning.

Away from work

You will find me either trying out a new restaurant, on a hike up the Mourne Mountains, or a dip in the sea!

Lesley Heron

My role

My role here at Montalto as Head Gardener covers a lot of ground – literally, as the estate is 400 acres! I manage the day to day running of the gardens and wider estate alongside a dedicated team of gardeners and volunteers. In addition to this, I plan and develop new areas of the garden that will in time be open to the public – we have some very exciting projects in the pipeline at the minute so watch this space….
I also run events that are included within my job, these include garden tours, floristry classes and garden workshops.

My favourite thing about Montalto

My favourite thing about Montalto is the plants. We have such an array of the most beautiful and unusual plants and specimen trees here on the estate. With each season there is a new pique of interest to grab your attention, and this interest is not only for your eyes – it captivates all the senses.

Away from work

As you can imagine I also love visiting other gardens and garden nurseries and can never come away without a new plant!

Kevin Keenan

My role

I currently find myself in the position of Sales and Development Manager at Montalto Estate. Within this role, there is a large scope for variety every day. I oversee the planning and organising of all of our stunning weddings along with corporate and public events throughout the year alongside Natalia. I also work closely with the sales and marketing team to promote the estate to groups and tour operators as one of the top tourist attractions Northern Ireland has to offer.

My favourite thing about Montalto

As someone who loves the great outdoors, Montalto has something really different to offer. One of my favourite things about the estate is that every morning when I am driving through the gates, it feels like a dream due to the endless acres and stunning nature and wildlife Montalto has to offer. I also really enjoy spending time in the beautiful Walled Garden. It’s an area that can only be accessed when attending an event or wedding in The Carriage Rooms so it has a secret garden feel and is somewhere very special indeed.

Away from work

Having recently moved near the sea, I have developed a passion for sailing and fishing. Having previously lived away from Northern Ireland, I am a keen traveller and love to explore new countries around the world and take in the cultures I experience.

Keith J Reilly

My role

As Operations Director my daily duties are varied. I originally joined the company as Manager of The Carriage Rooms back in 2012. Since the decision was taken to open the estate, my role changed to focus on preparing the business for this. Nowadays my days are rarely set, and always varied. They include overseeing event planning, HR, operations, marketing, and a lot more besides. Working closely with David, my brother-in-law, is fundamental to ensuring the future success and smooth running of the estate. Having been open to the public now for many years we are proud of how the estate and the Montalto brand have developed.

My favourite thing about Montalto

I first came to know of the estate when I was 16 and I met my future wife Rachael, Gordon and June’s daughter. Because of my familiarity with the estate, I could pick many areas, but the one that most stands out for me is Shackleton’s Wood. This relatively small wooded area is visible from my house, and a short walk takes myself and my family right up on to it. I love the formation of the trees, and the elevation of the area gives stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Away from work

With four children between the ages of 8 and 15, most of my spare time is spent with family. I love running and have completed a number of marathons and ultra-marathons. I am on the Board of Governors for Spa PS, and assist with hockey coaching during the week for Ballynahinch Hockey Club.

David Wilson

My role

As MD of Montalto, my role is a very strategic one, as we look to implement our ambitious plans which will see the estate enter the next stage of its life. However, as a chartered fellow accountant, the financial aspects of the business are at the core of my responsibilities. However, I do get out of the office now and then to give guided tours of the house.

My favourite thing about Montalto

Having grown up here, this was a difficult one for me for the simple reason that I have inherited my parents’ passion for the estate. However, if I had to choose one, it would be The Boat House, one of our more recent additions: this serene setting offers incredible views of the house and mirror-like reflections on the lake. If you ever feel the need to take some time for quiet reflection, this is the perfect place to do it.

Away from work

I have two children under the age of twelve, so I like to devote all my free time to my family and days out with them.  Also, with such a close connection to Montalto, myself and my family love spending time on the estate grounds – an experience other families are able to enjoy now too.