The characters of the Castle: Vincent D’Souza

What is your full name?

Vincent D’Souza.

What is your role at Ashford Castle?

I am the Night Manager here at Ashford.

What was your background before you worked at Ashford Castle?

Previously, I worked as a Catering Supervisor.

What was your first experience of Ashford Castle?

I remember receiving a wonderfully warm and genuine welcome when I first arrived at Ashford.

What were your thoughts when you saw the castle for the first time after the restoration?

I was amazed by the expertly crafted interiors and the skilful way that modern conveniences have been blended with period design.

Tell me something about Ashford that people might not know.

The former Guinness coal bunkers which are located underneath our entrance have now been converted into state-of-the-art wine cellars.

What makes Ashford so special?

The unique way that both staff and surroundings make our guests feel like royalty. The staff always go the extra mile to ensure guests enjoy their experience here at Ashford.

What does a typical day at Ashford Castle look like for you?

A typical day (or in my case, night) can be very busy. We begin with a full staff briefing and then ensure that all guest requests and needs, especially anticipated needs, are taken care of in a professional manner.

What is your favourite part of your role?

I love to meet and talk with the vastly different guests from around the world. It is wonderful to meet the diverse cultures and travelled guests that choose to stay at Ashford on their journey.

What do you do to relax when you are not working?

I love to spend time with my family, especially arranging movie nights. Whenever possible we love to walk in the wonderful surrounding parklands and the local racecourse close to my home.

What three words would you use to describe Ashford?

Extraordinary, Cultural, and Historic.

What is your proudest achievement of your time at Ashford Castle?

I felt honoured and humbled to receive Manager of the Year in 2017.