What do you work at? I create memories. I design and produce very beautiful weddings, private and cutting-edge corporate events within Olivia Buckley Events. I could live, breathe and sleep what I do as every day brings a new challenge and I am always surrounded by very creative people. I live by the saying ‘If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life’
Tell us about your family? I’m the youngest of six girls…a very interesting house to grow up in. My father, Robert, really does deserve a gold medal
What schools did you attend? Presentation Listowel, University College Cork and University College Dublin
Who’s your best buddy? With five sisters, I am never short a friend. I moved to Killarney over a year and a half ago and I have made some truly special friends. I don’t have family here but it’s as close as I could possibly get to it
International figure you most admire? Richard Branson. He is an amazing entrepreneur. I would love to shadow him. He has such fantastic business acumen
National figure you most admire? I really admire Irish philanthropists. It is great to see successful Irish business people giving back to those who need a little step up and some much-needed support. JP MacManus does all this and he does it so quietly. He gets my thumbs up
Who would you like to see as Taoiseach and why? Michael O’Leary. I’m sure he would shake things up in the Dáil
Your most memorable holiday? I love adventure and experiencing new cultures. After my studies, I took time out and went on a world trip. I loved Mana Island in Fiji. It was so beautiful and the people were just so lovely. I lived in a little village with the locals. They lived such frugal lives with no electricity, no running water and they were the happiest people I have ever met. Beautiful memories were made. Continuing on this trip, I really enjoyed Whitsunday Islands and Fraser Island in Australia. Oh to be back to the beautiful white sands and crystal blue waters
Your favourite place? I simply adore Killarney. I have wanted to live here for so many years and my dream has become a reality. I’m here to stay. I’m never leaving. It’s too beautiful
Favourite TV programme? Downton Abbey
Dinner party at home or a night in the pub? A wow dinner party. I throw a great party. My birthday is coming up, so I’m sure to plan something fun and memorable
Family aside, your ideal four dinner guests? Will Ferrell would have us laughing all night and he would keep us so entertained. Norma O’Donoghue as I would need to have a true Killarney guest and, of course, a dependable person to bring everyone to The Grand afterwards. Kerry O’Connor my little “Rockstar”. Robert Pattinson, just to make things a little more interesting. We would have to have an after party as Fiona, Kelly and Grainne would have to join in with the fun
Wine and cheese, beer and crisps or tea and biscuits? Wine and cheese
Eggs scrambled, fried, poached, boiled or raw? Not really a lover of eggs
Christmas morning or Mid Summer’s Day? I just love Christmas. However, if the sun is shining and you introduce a pair of hiking boots and a picnic basket with a little bottle of vino, I’m a pretty happy girl #loveadventure!
Hangover cure? Tea, tea and more tea and, of course, a box of Solpadeine very close by
Do you keep fit? We’ll see about that on July 5 after the Ring of Kerry Cycle. I get out early in the mornings and cycle around the lakes, or I take early morning walks with my ‘sole sisters’. The National Park is a stone’s throw from where I live so I get out hiking as often as I can
Best book you read? Pride and Prejudice. I just love Mr Darcy! I’m a total romantic
Last movie you watched? The Wolf of Wall Street – what a movie!
Your favourite song? Hideaway by Kiesza or another is Jubel Klingande
The actor you most admire? Meryl Streep. What a lady. She was just amazing in The Devil Wears Prada
Do you have a pet? Yes, Coco, a beautiful, loving, black labrador
Are you religious? Living across from one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Ireland, I can’t really forget to say my prayers. And wedding ceremonies play quite a role in my work life
Are you political? I studied my degree in Economics, so I have a good understanding of economic policy but that’s where it stops
Morning person or night owl? Absolutely a night owl. I could work until the early hours. My pillow does not see me before midnight any night
Favourite pin-up? The map of the world
Your proudest moment? I was very proud to represent our beautiful county of Kerry in the Rose of Tralee and I am very proud to have launched my successful business Olivia Buckley Events after 10 years in the events business.
What makes you happy? Reaching the top of a mountain on a sunny day and taking in the views and fresh air. Or on a cold winter’s night, when the wind and rain are howling outside, with my electric blanket and Netflix
How would you like to be remembered? Memory Maker
