A Day at Field of Dreams with Down Syndrome Ireland

Recently, members of the Cliste Hospitality team spent an afternoon volunteering at Down Syndrome Ireland’s Field of Dreams in Cork, supporting gardening and harvesting activities across the site.

The visit also provided an opportunity to meet students participating in Digital Dreamers, DSI’s programme to support young adults with Down syndrome develop practical digital and workplace skills through hands on learning, project work and industry engagement. The initiative is designed to build confidence, capability and future opportunities within an increasingly digital world.

As part of the visit, Cliste Hospitality presented a donation of €1,000 to support the ongoing work of Down Syndrome Ireland’s Cork branch at their Field of Dreams centre. Field of Dreams provides a unique environment where participants can develop practical skills, build confidence and engage in a range of educational, horticultural and personal development activities. The programme continues to play an important role in creating opportunities for individuals to learn, grow and participate fully within their communities.

Our partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland extends far beyond fundraising initiatives is now in it’s seventh year and continues to florish. Since 2019, Cliste has supported a range of programmes focused on lifelong learning, inclusion and opportunity. Over that time, Cliste Hospitality has employed 25 colleagues through Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Employment Programme, achieving 100% retention and more than 100 years of combined service.

About Cliste Hospitality

Founded in 2019, Cliste Hospitality was established with a clear ambition to redefine hotel management in Ireland through community focus, strategic leadership and long term value creation. Cliste was created through a management buyout by co-founders Paul Fitzgerald and Sean O’Driscoll, two leaders with more than a decade of collaboration in hotel asset and capital management. The company has grown from managing eight hotels to a portfolio of 13 hospitality venues today, including 11 hotels and two independent restaurants across Ireland. Cliste Hospitality operates as an ownership and management platform, developing hospitality businesses that become part of their local communities, enhance guest experience standards and create sustainable, future-focused value for owners and investors.