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.

Danielle McTeer

My role

I joined the Montalto team in 2017, beginning my journey working in the bar at the Carriage Rooms. After expressing an interest in finance, I was given the opportunity to move into the office as a permanent part-time team member. With the support of Montalto, I was able to continue working part-time while completing my professional qualifications, all while balancing family life with two young children.

Today, I am proud to be the Finance Manager at Montalto Estate. I oversee the day-to-day financial operations across all areas of the estate and prepare financial reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making.

My favourite thing about Montalto

I love being surrounded by nature at Montalto and watching the estate change through the seasons. Autumn is by far my favourite time of year here, there’s nothing quite like a walk through the estate with a hot chocolate in hand, leaves crunching underfoot, a little retail therapy in the shop, and then heading home to light the fire. Seeing every visitor experience the estate in their own unique way, creating memories with family and friends, is truly special to witness.

Away from work

I’m a mum of two, so naturally I love spending as much quality time with my family as possible. We enjoy hiking together and making memories, breathing in the fresh air, and stopping for picnics along the way. When I’m not working or up a mountain, you’ll most likely find me on the sidelines of a rugby pitch or enjoying time with friends.

Victoria Ward

My role

As Marketing Manager for Montalto Estate and The Carriage Rooms, I oversee all aspects of marketing, from event promotion and brand development to advertising and campaign delivery, ensuring our experiences are clearly and compellingly communicated to visitors and members. Alongside day-to-day activity, my role focuses on shaping the long-term direction of our marketing strategy.

With a diverse range of outlets and experiences across the estate, I lead the development of a strategic, future-focused marketing approach that supports continued growth and positions Montalto Estate as one of Northern Ireland’s leading visitor attractions.

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.

Hannah Keenan

My role

As the Weddings and Events Manager here at Montalto Estate my job is to oversee all aspects of weddings and events – from the initial client consultations and vendor management to timelines, budgets and on the day execution ensuring that every detail runs smoothly and that the couples vision is brought to life. Leading a team of enthusiastic, high performing individuals, together we foster a positive can do culture through creativity and passion which translates into successful events throughout the entire estate.

My favourite thing about Montalto

What I love most about my job is working each day in a stunning estate surrounded by beautiful trails and natural scenery. The setting brings a sense of calm and inspiration to every day and it is incredibly rewarding to create memorable celebrations in a place where nature, elegance and meaningful moments come together so effortlessly.

Away from work

During my free time you will find me out exploring nature with friends, family and my beautiful dog. I am at my happiest when by the sea and have a passion for travelling around the world, exploring different cultures and ways of life.

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!

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. Once the decision was then taken to open the estate as a visitor attraction, my role changed to ensuring the smooth, safe, daily running of the property by overseeing all aspects of its operations. Nowadays, my days are rarely set, and almost always varied. They include overseeing event planning, HR, marketing, facilities, visitor and staff services and a lot more besides. Working closely with David, my brother-in-law, is fundamental to ensuring the continued success of the estate. Having been open to the public now for many years, we are proud of how the estate and the Montalto has gone from strength to strength.

My favourite thing about Montalto

I first came to know of the estate when I was 16, and I met my wife Rachael, Gordon and June’s daughter. Because of my familiarity with the estate, I could pick many areas, but 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 9 and 16, most of my spare time is spent with family. I love running and have completed a number of marathons and ultra-marathons. I am the Vice Chair for Spa PS Board of Governors, and also assist with hockey coaching during the week at Lisnagarvey 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 thirteen, 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.