18/09/2026
Denis Byrne is an accomplished Irish chef with more than a decade of experience across professional kitchens, including Michelin-level and luxury hospitality environments. He developed his skills at Cliff at Lyons, where he progressed into senior kitchen leadership under the guidance of Executive Chef Sean Smith.
Now Head Chef at Hartes of Kildare, Denis is known for a modern, produce-led approach to cooking, combining high-quality ingredients with refined technique and confident ex*****on. His philosophy is centred on respecting the produce, avoiding unnecessary complexity and ensuring every element on the plate has a purpose.
Beyond the kitchen, Denis is committed to mentoring young chefs and creating a positive, disciplined kitchen culture. His ambition is to continue pushing Irish gastropub cooking forward, creating food that is polished and memorable while remaining generous, approachable and connected to the local surroundings.