With over 15 years experience as a chef and restaurateur, Barry is now passing on his wealth of knowledge and expertise to catering students at South Regional College. Over the last five years he has taught a wide range of students from L2 Professional cookery Diploma up to FoundationDegree in International Culinary Arts.

Barry ran his own restaurant called ‘The Oriel’ in Gilford, Co Down for six years. A highly successful eatery, that many people travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to dine in. During this time the restaurant achieved numerous awards including a coveted Michelin Star, two AA Rosettes, a listing in the Top 12 Restaurants in the UK, and much recognition in many hospitality publications.

Barry has also worked as a Senior / Head Chef in many restaurants throughout Ireland including Yellow Door Restaurant & Deli (Gilford, Co Down), Beechill Country House Hotel (Co Derry), Roscoff Restaurant (Belfast), Antica Roma Restaurant (Belfast), Kilkea Castle Hotel (Castledermot, Co Kildare) and Jordan’s Restaurant (Carlingford, Co Louth).

Having personally achieved many medals on a national and international level, Barry now mentors junior chefs in competitions and sits on various judging panels. He has also participated in many public cookery demonstrations, including live television and radio broadcasts.