CastleHacket House originally built by John Kirwan, Lord Mayor of Galway, in 1703.


It was partially destroyed in 1923 during the Civil war and rebuilt in 1929 by ‘The General” Sir Denis Bernard-Kirwan. The Kirwan family occupied the house for almost 300 years.


Joyce was chasing a dream when she bought CastleHacket House off the Internet while living in Cairns Australia. Teaching Yoga for the Knoff Yoga School, or you may remember her from Powerscourt Springs Health Farm where she she was employed as a Fitness instructor, detox facilitator and on other days cooking meals for the guests. Her passion for cooking and health came from her background, trained in French Culinary art and Macrbiotic cookery. Joyce went on to be a Chef at Renvyle House Hotel and the The Park Hotel Kenmare before setting off over seas.


After a catering company and two restaurants a career change came and Joyce studied to be a Fitness Instructor, got a diploma in Diet and nutrition and spent 7 years learning and teaching the Knoff Yoga System.


The Dream was to incorporate a little of every thing under one roof.


Not surprising that her eldest daughter Niamh Mc Donagh is a renowned Pastry Chef and Business Woman and that Ciara Mc Donagh, their younger daughter has a Degree in Architecture and Interior Design helping to up style the business.

The Mc Donagh family moved back to Ireland in 2015. Together with many wonderful volunteers from all over the world, they have lovingly preserved CastleHacket House.