SERC students explore Killeavy Castle on fact-finding trip

Business and Travel & Tourism students from SERC took the castle by storm at a recent fact-finding visit to Killeavy Castle Estate, Newry.

The Lisburn and Downpatrick campus students from Level 3 Diploma in Business, Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism, and HNC/HND Travel and Tourism course met with Sales and Marketing Manager Terry Kelly, and Operations Manager Matthew Hynes. The visit provided students an opportunity to gain insight into the many components and operations of the popular tourist attraction.

Greeted by some loveable Irish Wolves on arrival, the students were then taken on a guided tour of the grounds, including the hotel, restored castle, sustainable garden, and the newly opened farm shop.

The group explored the ways in which the estate is working towards being more environmentally friendly as it develops in the future; from planting woodlands, increasing farm to plate production of food, and restoring the deep-rooted history within the Ring of Gullion.

Marie Morgan, Associate Lecturer in Business and Administration commented: “The students gained an excellent understanding of the issues faced within a business and tourism industry; encouraging a collaboration between the different study groups to discuss ideas and concepts. As well as this, the visit was extremely beneficial in creating new employment opportunities and possibilities.”  

Find out more about Travel and Tourism or Business courses at SERC.