The shape I'm in: John Brennan, hotelier and TV personality

Hotelier and TV personality John Brennan doesn’t worry about his fitness, as he is always on the go.

But while he rarely gets any days off, does try to get away for a short break with the family as often as possible.

“I don’t take any weekends off and pretty much work around the clock,” he says.

“I would never be home at 5pm in the evening and it is just as well as I would be bored silly. I can’t imagine what people do with their time sitting at home every night — that wouldn’t be me in a million years.

“Although I spend most of my time working, I make sure to take a few days off every month or so to get away from it all and indulge in a bit of walking, cycling and, dare I say it, relaxing.”

The 52-year-old has been working with his brother Francis at the Park Hotel in Kenmare since 1994 and the dynamic duo bought Dromquinna Manor in 2011 (a waterside venue specialising in weddings as well as luxury camping), both of which keep him occupied and fulfilled.

“There’s a lot to be said about enjoying your job and I think if you like what you do, it makes your working life a lot easier,” says John, who is married to Gwen and has two grown up children — Adam (20) and Ruth (18).

“I have always liked what I do and I believe that this, along with eating well and having a good lifestyle, helps to keep me healthy overall.”

* Catch up with John Brennan and his brother Francis in At Your Service on RTÉ One, Sunday evenings at 8.30pm

What shape are you in?

I’m in pretty good shape because I spend most of the day on my feet and generally do at least 10,000 steps a day — and some days even up to 15,000.

When I’m in the Park Kenmare the walking is all done inside the hotel, but in Dromquinna, I do a lot of walking outside in the grounds which is a great way to get fresh air and it also means that I am kept fairly fit — however I would not be up for running a marathon.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat well in general and have a homemade smoothie with Flahavan’s Granola every morning. Then for lunch I would have a salad and, for about four days a week, I generally have something with rice for dinner.

I eat at the hotel most of the time and usually ask the chefs to rustle up something like halibut and rice but when I am at home, I will occasionally cook a curry.

Mind you, I don’t have worry about cooking too much at home either as my wife is a brilliant cook and my daughter is a fantastic baker — so I am well looked after on that score.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

As I have a good diet most of the time, I allow myself some guilty pleasures and these would include a nice glass of red wine, the occasional bit of chocolate and also some Sweet Chilli Sensations while watching a film — shhh!

What would keep you awake at night?

I am quite a good sleeper but sometimes I am kept awake by the effects of the aforementioned red wine.

How do you relax?

Luckily, I really enjoy my job and even though I am non-stop busy, I don’t find it stressful. But my ideal way to relax would be in a boat on Kenmare Bay — there is nothing like the peace and quiet of being out on the water.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

There would be quite a few people at my ideal dinner party including Robin and Judy Hutson, Ian Schrager, Steve Wynn, and my brother Francis, while Bryan Ferry would be playing piano and crooning in the corner.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love the smell of anything fresh in the garden, so it’s always nice at this time of year.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

If I had to change anything it would be my toenails.

When is the last time you cried?

Recently while watching a TV documentary on Syria.

What traits do you least like in others?

Arrogance is a really unattractive trait and something which I don’t like in anyone.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I am occasionally prone to a bit of shouting when things are not as they should be and that is something I don’t really like.

Do you pray?

Yes, I pray most days.

What would cheer up your day?

My day would always be cheered up with time spent on a boat or when I am away on holidays I love spending time cycling."