Corkonians Abroad: Growing up in Cork pub shaped my future path

Tell us about your early life, Robert

I was born in Midleton, right on the Main Street, where my late parents, Billy and Theresa Walshe, ran the successful Maple Leaf pub for many years.

Growing up in East Cork during that era was incredibly rewarding. I had a very happy childhood in a tight-knit community where everyone knew your name, and your family was part of the town’s fabric.

I was educated at Midleton CBS, and, alongside school life, I was deeply immersed in the town’s social and business landscape.

From a young age, I served on the board of Midleton Area Tourism, became President of Junior Chamber, and was the founding Chairman of the Friends of Midleton Hospital.

I was honoured during that time to host former U.S Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, a moment that still stands out as one of my proudest.

Of course, being raised behind the bar counter in our family-run pub, I learned early on how to engage with people, deal with the public, and understand the value of community connection.

That grounding was essential - it helped hone my business instincts and shaped my future path.

Before I left Cork for Dublin, I was deeply touched to be accorded a Civic Reception by Midleton Urban District Council, a generous acknowledgment of my contributions to local life. That kind of appreciation is rare and it meant a great deal to me and my family.

My late Aunt Mary and Uncle Paddy, along with my parents and many close friends, were incredible encouragers. Their belief in me helped fuel the drive to follow my passions and build a meaningful, people-focused career.

What drew you to broadcasting, and how did your radio career begin?

I was always fascinated by broadcasting - especially radio. As a child, I would listen intently to the pirate stations broadcasting from Ballycotton, like ERI, and later to RTÉ Cork Local Radio.

There was something magical about the power of voice, the intimacy of radio, and its ability to inform, entertain, and connect.

Although I loved music, I felt an early pull toward speech-based programming - news, current affairs, interviews. That interest grew stronger with time.

Eventually, I got my break as part of the launch team for County Sound in Mallow, a pivotal step that opened doors to what became a truly fulfilling radio career.

From there, I joined 96FM, followed by Lite FM (now Q102) in Dublin, and later Dublin’s 106.8FM, now known as Sunshine Radio.

One special moment that remains close to my heart was hosting a radiothon for Joanne O’Riordan on C103, alongside the late actor Oliver Reed - a day full of warmth, generosity, and real community spirit. It was one of those rare days where you truly see the best of people coming together for a cause.

Later in my career, I stepped into leadership roles, becoming General Manager and Programme Director at Sunshine. That role marked a turning point, as I began to focus more on the strategic and operational sides of broadcasting.

This led me to Sligo, where I was involved in the commercial launch of Ocean FM, while continuing to present flagship talk shows.

Eventually, my path brought me to Northern Ireland where I launched Seven FM in Ballymena. Over the next 14 years, I led several acquisitions and rebranded a network of five stations into the well-known Q Radio brand, serving as Managing Director.

It was a whirlwind chapter - full of energy, pressure, and innovation. By the time I stepped away from broadcasting in 2018, I felt a deep sense of pride in what had been achieved.

You also spent time in television - tell us about that.

Yes, I dabbled in television for a time, presenting a programme called Face To Face on Cork Multi Channel. It was a brilliant opportunity to interview well-known figures from all walks of life - from politics and business to arts and sport.

I enjoyed the experience, and I believe I did a solid job on screen, but my heart was always with radio. The spontaneity, intimacy, and immediacy of live radio always had the edge for me.

What inspired your move to England and the shift into hospitality?

After stepping away from Q Radio, I returned to my first passion - travel. I’ve been fortunate to have visited more than 120 countries, and those experiences have enriched me both personally and professionally.

Travel teaches perspective, patience, and the universal value of hospitality.

Together with my partner Richard, a senior leader in hospitality and tourism originally from Belfast, we had always talked about one day owning a guest house or boutique hotel. The timing felt right, and in late 2020 - yes, during the heart of the pandemic - we moved from Belfast to Lynton in north Devon, in the heart of Exmoor National Park.

There we found Highcliffe House, a stunning Victorian guest house perched high above the Bristol Channel. The moment we walked through the door, we knew it was ‘the one’.

It was a leap of faith, but one grounded in experience - my business and media acumen paired with Richard’s deep understanding of hospitality was always going to be a winning combination.

Lynton and its twin town Lynmouth, are known for their water-powered cliff railway and are steeped in Victorian heritage. Their remote yet dramatic location, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, attracts thousands of visitors each year - especially during the peak season from April to October.

While launching a new chapter during a global pandemic was daunting, our timing was surprisingly fortuitous. With international travel curtailed, the domestic UK tourism market boomed, and we were inundated with bookings. From there, the business flourished, and we are now entering our fifth season.

Having both launched and driven major media and hospitality brands, we instinctively knew what was needed to elevate Highcliffe House. Our attention to detail and guest experience has paid off. We’ve since received significant recognition, including:

• AA/Visit England Accommodation of the Year for England (2022)
• Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice - Best of the Best - Top 1% in the World (every year since opening).

We operate seven days a week for seven months, and then close during the off-season-by design. This schedule gives us the best of both worlds: a rewarding business and five months off to travel and recharge.

We spend part of our winters at our holiday home in St Petersburg, Florida, before heading off on new adventures across the globe.

How is life now in north Devon?

Life in Lynton is incredibly peaceful. The landscape is dramatic, and the community is warm and welcoming.

During our downtime -usually in the afternoons - we make the most of the outdoors: walking the coast, hiking the moors, or just enjoying the sea air.

The area is rich in culture too, with local theatre, National Trust properties, beaches, and a steady flow of interesting visitors from around the world.

The Irish dimension here is strong - many guests have connections to Ireland, and being Irish is always a great conversation starter.

In many ways, life in England isn’t drastically different from Ireland, especially when you’ve already lived and worked in Northern Ireland, where the legacy of the Troubles still subtly shapes business and social life.

That experience gave me a unique understanding of the broader British culture and helped make our move to England seamless.

Travel, too, has deepened my understanding of people and cultures. Whether you’re in Asia, Africa, South America, or Europe, I’ve learned that, at their core, people are fundamentally the same - full of dreams, hopes, challenges, and shared humanity.

Looking back, how do you reflect on your journey so far?

I feel incredibly fortunate. My life and career have been built on the foundations of passion, people, and purpose.

I’ve worked in industries I love, met extraordinary individuals, and been supported by an incredible family and circle of friends.

I’m forever grateful to my late parents for instilling in me a strong work ethic, and for showing me the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness.

My sister, who still lives in Midleton and enjoys a successful career at Cork Airport, helps keep the home fires burning. I return as often as I can.

The reopening of the Midleton to Cork railway has been transformational for the region, and I hope to see that service extended to Youghal in the future.

I still listen to my old Cork radio stations on my smart speaker, and I never miss a beat on what’s happening back home. I even get my Barry’s Tea delivered here in Devon and found a supplier for Ballymaloe Relish and Clonakilty Black Pudding!

As the saying goes: “You can take the boy out of Cork, but you’ll never take the Cork out of the boy.” And proudly so.