SIGC | Cashel Palace

“Arthur went to Dublin and he used the 100 pounds to pay for the 9000 year lease in St. James's Gate. So when you go to the storehouse in Dublin now, you'll see that the first 10 years of his brewing career in Dublin was brewing an ale, and that was the ale that his father taught him in Cashel. If it was not for the Archbishop of Cashel, we would not have Guinness. And therefore, we consider ourselves the Godfather of Guinness.”

We’re in great company with Adriaan Bartels, the award-winning General Manager of Cashel Palace, a magnificent regal manor in the bountiful heart of Ireland, Tipperary’s Golden Vale. With origins in the 18th century, the manor is meticulously restored and exquisitely reimagined as a five-star luxury hotel, enveloped in nature and overlooked by ancient history.

Here, a tapestry of timeless hospitality, proud Irish heritage, and sustainable modern practices are seamlessly woven together for guests to experience Cashel Palace in all its glory – from its notable thoroughbred horse breeding ties to its acclaimed humble beginnings of Guinness.

In this episode, Adriaan reminds us what it is about our ties to and dreams of Ireland – from the rich soil to the flowing spirits to the convivial music – that inspire so many of us to paint the world green on St. Patrick’s Day. Sláinte!

Top Takeaways

[2:45] How Irish hospitality thrives on genuine curiosity, with locals eagerly connecting you to their world by finding those delightful threads that make strangers feel like distant family.

[6:40] From archbishops to aristocracy, from country leaders to leading ladies, from a hundred pounds to the first Guinness pints, Cashel Palace boasts a rich and illustrious history of notable hospitality dating back to 1732.

[10:20] Adriaan learned to wear many hats during Cashel Palace’s transformation – at one moment an architect, the next an interior designer, soon after a general manager – all the while learning to balance Irish traditions and heritage with innovation for modern travelers and times.

[19:45] Watch and listen as Cashel Palace transforms from a buzzing hub of daytime activity and attentive service to an intimate evening retreat complemented with fireside drinks, creating the perfect atmosphere for guests to unwind.

[23:40] Local produce and purveyors are always in season at Cashel Palace as their commitment to sustainability sets the table for some of Ireland’s most flavorful bounty – from the native Irish bee’s wild honey to the centuries-old mulberry tree’s fruit jam.

[28:50] Cashel Palace is the crown jewel of the equine world and its owners, The Magnier Family, have been at the very heart of Ireland’s rich tapestry of thoroughbred racing and breeding legacy for generations – which is why they invite guests to experience exciting programming and exclusive access to some of the most prestigious racing farms in the world.

[32:30] From Cashel Palace's doorstep, Tipperary's Golden Vale reveals its soul through untouched small-town authenticity – ancient pubs with crackling fires and quaint shops nestled in a landscape that captures Ireland's timeless pastoral beauty.

[35:40] For those travelers seeking a climate sanctuary growing rarer in our warming world, you might just discover that the true pot of gold at the rainbow's end is Ireland’s emerald-green landscape.