While many may recognise him from Mulberry Bistro, Armagh’s Cormac Breen is now bringing together his hospitality-honed people skills and personal property investment experience to offer a new kind of service to the Orchard County community and beyond.
Cormac has been just as much of a staple at the family-owned Bistro on Cathedral Road as the Mulberry dip (if you know, you know!) for a period spanning over ten years.
A face many grew to know and love, it may have come as a surprise when he announced he was swapping the restaurant floor for office life, ready and eager to embark on an exciting new venture of his own.
And what a start he has made! In just four months, he has overseen multiple property sales while rapidly growing his landlord rental management portfolio.
Breen Real Estate officially launched in September 2025, making an instant impression with its bold black and gold branding. While the look screamed luxury, Cormac’s bigger vision is for the brand to radiate personality, rooted in trust, honesty and genuine respect for landlords and homeowners alike, as they take important steps in selling and managing their properties.
Ten years ago, at the tender age of 22, while most of his friends could see no further than their immediate weekend plans, Cormac was busy thinking much further ahead.
Speaking to Armagh I, he explained: “I bought my first buy-to-let at age 22 and I have been working on my portfolio ever since.”
Going into property at that age was a “learning curve” and he’s noticeably aggrieved by the fact we tend to leave school with little – if any – information about how to buy a property… words that undoubtedly come from the mouths of many being blindly led through the complicated and paperwork-heavy process.
“Basically, I was involved with an estate agent and mortgage advisor, went to viewing, went through the bidding process, I was the highest bidder and then went to a mortgage advisor to be taken through that process.
“That was the moment I realised you can go through the entire school system without ever being taught how to buy your first home.
Even now, I see people in their 30s who still don’t understand how the property market works, from credit reports and mortgage requirements to how many months of payslips are needed, what lenders look for, or how to properly prepare financially.
“It’s knowledge that can shape your future, yet so many are left to figure it out on their own, yet this is most likely the largest transaction they’ll ever make in their lifetime.”
He had been through the process younger than most of his peers and so they began coming to him for informal advice. Not before long, his passion for property became clear and they began suggesting he go into that line of work!
The thought bubbled away like a Mulberry Bistro pot in the back of his mind until he eventually bit the bullet and made the firm decision to look into becoming a fully accredited agent.
That – much like buying a property – was a lengthy and arduous exercise. He had a lot to learn and a lot to prove in order to open his business in absolute accordance with the law. No ‘i’ left undotted, no ‘t’ left un-crossed.
What many don’t realise is that Cormac’s move into real estate didn’t happen overnight. The foundations were laid over two years ago, with quiet preparation, careful learning and a clear long term vision guiding every step of the journey.
“I wanted to make sure I had done my due diligence,” he said. “It was important to understand every hurdle I would need to overcome before opening the business. It was a completely solo venture, so of course I was nervous, but I knew preparation was key.”
However, his anxiety was allayed by a clear demand for his intended services.
Said Cormac: “Serving hundreds upon hundreds of people each week at Mulberry, I built up a huge network of contacts and friendships.
“More and more people started talking to me about their rental properties and the need for someone they could truly trust to look after their asset, as well as to guide them honestly and confidently through the sale of their homes.”
In the same way his own doubts were eased by the support of those around him, Cormac now aims to provide that same sense of reassurance and confidence to others entering the property market.
“It’s the largest transaction of people’s lives,” he continued. “They want trust and genuine honesty.”
Cormac prides himself on an individualised level of care for each of his clients, whether it be vendor or landlord, commercial or residential.
He follows each of his clients’ journeys from start to completion, managing all enquiries, viewings and listings personally.
“I’ve been working relentlessly to build this from the ground up,” he added. “My aim is for every client to leave feeling supported and valued through a truly personal service.”
With sales, he happily provides advice to homeowners in how to prepare their home for listing to give it that “turn-key home appearance”.
He takes all viewings personally working within vendors’ availability. He is also happy to book private weekend viewings when booked in advance.
For landlords, he provides access to a trusted network of tradespeople, from joiners, plumbers and electricians to painters, drainage specialists and general maintenance experts, all of whom can be called upon to resolve common household issues within 24 to 48 hours, or even sooner in the case of emergencies.
He also boasts a “thorough” applications process ensuring the most suitable tenants for all rental properties.
Commercial lets are an area he takes great pride in, gleefully announcing that he has helped secure seven new businesses for Armagh’s city centre, all due to open within the coming weeks.
Looking to the future, he is committed to strengthening the rental portfolio and driving further growth in residential sales. And, yes, he has plans for additional offices in the surrounding areas!
Said Cormac of his experience in real estate so far: “We’re approaching five months in business and I’m absolutely loving it. The response from the people of Armagh has been incredible, and now the focus is on building even more momentum heading into 2026.”
Thinking of selling your property, may it be your home, farm land, development site or commercial building, as well as any rental management service, contact Cormac at Breen Real Estate call 028 3744 0949 or email cormac@breenrealestate.co.uk.
Click here to follow Breen Real Estate on Facebook
Click here to visit their website – www.www.breenrealestate.co.uk
