Conor Coyne is CEO at Kylemore Abbey – one of Ireland’s leading visitor attractions and home to the Benedictine Monastic Community of Nuns.
Hailing from Connemara, Conor studied in both NUIG and Trinity College and has worked across industries including utilities, finance, professional services and hospitality.
Having spent the first 15 years of his career in Dublin, Conor moved home, west in early 2019 and has focussed on driving innovation, enterprise and sustainability in his first 3 years in the role.
Q 1- How does your normal day begin?
Up at 7 am, my wife and I get the kids fed and ready for school. After the school drop-off, I have one of the most scenic drives to work imaginable – past the Twelve Bens, through the Inagh Valley and chicaning by roadside sheep. I usually take a spin around the Estate, just to check that all is in order before gates open to the public at 10 am.
Q 2- What are your biggest daily challenges?
My role gives me oversight across a wide breadth of activities – incl.:
- management of heritage buildings
- supporting the Benedictine Monastic Community of Nuns
- running Connaught’s busiest restaurant
- ensuring sustainable operations of a 1,000-acre estate
- producing and retailing premium homemade craft and design
- leading a team of up to 120 staff
My biggest daily challenge is trying to be knowledgeable enough about all areas in order to give useful guidance and support to our team.
Q3- What do you love most about your job?
I am part of a very committed team in Kylemore Abbey that has great pride and feels a sense of ownership of the Estate. Over 500k people come to visit us each year, from all across the globe. It is an uplifting and energising experience to work every day in a place where every person on the Estate is striving to have a fantastic experience.
Q 4- What do you do to relax?
I try to go for a run and/or get to the gym about 3 times a week. Working with our family’s herd of Connemara Ponies is a great way to clear the head and a few IPAs always go down well at the weekend as well!
Q 5-Favourite staycation destination in Ireland and why?
Nowhere really beats Connemara – the people and culture, the peace and openness, the sea and beaches, the mountains and wide-open space. We are fortunate to live in a place that is a joy for so many others to visit.
Q 6-Favourite holiday destination worldwide?
I have had fantastic experiences in far-flung places across all continents. Nothing equals the sheer fun and excitement of a day with the kids at a waterpark in Spain or Portugal however!
Q 7-Favourite Business motto?
Don’t tell me ‘That’s the way it’s always been done!’
Q 8. Advice for young business entrepreneurs
If you are not enjoying what you are doing then don’t procrastinate – make a change. You will always perform better and derive greater personal and professional satisfaction when you are doing something you like, in a place that you like, with people that you like.
