My Weekend: Looking forward to a busy winter season ahead as we open our 3 ice rinks

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am Louise, I am 33 and I am from Bishopstown originally. I recently moved to Midleton with my fiancé Denis, and we are enjoying getting to know lovely East Cork.

I am the operations director for Cool Running Events which my dad, Bill Cremin, founded in 2007 with the creation of Cork on Ice (now known as the Alpine Skate Trail). 

Today, we run over 30 ice rinks around the country.

Being part of a family business, I have worked in many roles within it. I started off as an ice crew member, selling tickets at the box office and then managing the Cork ice rink. I took a few years away to work and gain experience in London, and in 2018, I returned home to study my master’s in project management in University College Cork and rejoin the business. I managed our ice rink in Dublin that year and since then, I have transitioned into operations director across our two businesses; Iceskating.ie and Zipit Forest Adventures, which we acquired in 2021.

I absolutely love my job. No week is the same and I take great pride in how much we have achieved, particularly over the past number of years since we acquired Zipit. 

We have created an amazing team who work across both businesses all year round and we have some really exciting projects in the pipeline over the next three years with new winter projects and an introduction of new sites and products for Zipit.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Depends on the time of year. In the summer, it’s nice to head into town and meet friends for an after-work drink. In the winter, work is very busy, so staying in on a Friday night is an absolute must!

Lie ins or up with the lark... which is it for you?

I would not consider myself a “morning person”, but I generally would get up early to get organised for weekend plans.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

In the winter, I am definitely conscious that the weekends are the busiest time for all of our ice rinks. I would usually pop into our Fota ice rink to see how everything is going. 

It a good opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere and to get a nice hot chocolate from my sister, Sarah, who runs part of the food and beverage offering at the ice rink.

In the summer, the weekends are also the busiest time for Zipit but we have fantastic teams at all of the sites (including Zipit at Farran Woods) who are well able to manage.

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I would love to go to Japan with my friends Fiona and Laura — it may be a bit too far for a weekend though.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

Since moving to East Cork, I am really enjoying visiting the local beaches — there are so many, and I find that is a really great way to clear my head after a busy week. Ballycroneen is my favourite so far.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Weekends are always very busy with friends and family.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

Hobbies at the moment include trying to learn some DIY skills to decorate our house and going to the gym/for a swim.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

I love hosting, I have learned some great skills from my mum who is great at hosting a party. My signature dish would be tacos — I love Mexican food. I make a good guacamole.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork — where are your go to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

Keeping it local in Midleton, I really like Monty’s for coffee/lunch and Sage restaurant has been a spot for some special occasions over the last few years.

Sunday night comes around too fast... how do you normally spend it?

Usually prepping lunches, breakfast, and snacks for work for the week. I try to be really organised and set myself up for an easier week.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

7.20am, I don’t dread going into work luckily. Monday mornings are always interesting as the first thing I look at is the bookings/visitors/sales/reviews from our weekend customers. I love all the data we collect on our systems from our customers.

Anything else you are up to right now...

I am going to Spain for a few days with my dad and then when I come back it is straight into ice rink build season. We have three ice rinks opening in November in both Cork and Dublin so it’s a busy winter ahead! The Alpine Skate Trail at Fota opens first on November 3, and tickets are already selling, so this really kicks off the festive season!

See https://iceskating.ie/