Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Construction Contractors in Ireland & Northern Ireland
Established in 1974 by brothers John and Noel McGivern, our company has grown into a leading Building, Civil Engineering, and Fit-Out Contractor operating across Ireland and Northern Ireland. With over five decades of experience, we combine family-owned values with professional expertise to deliver high-quality construction projects for public and private sector clients. Our approach prioritises teamwork, director-level oversight, and a hands-on commitment to client satisfaction, ensuring excellence in time, cost, and quality. We maintain ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 accreditations, reflecting our dedication to quality management, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety. Our team of 40 skilled professionals, led by senior management with over 50 years of collective experience, specialises in creating innovative spaces for commercial, healthcare, education, and residential sectors.Through strategic frameworks and partnerships, we deliver multi-million-pound projects that positively impact communities while adhering to strict environmental and social responsibility standards. Our repeat business and industry awards, including recognition for heritage restoration and social impact, demonstrate our commitment to exceeding client expectations. We invest in future talent through apprenticeships and maintain strong local supply chain relationships to ensure sustainable growth. Our integrated management system and considerate contractor practices ensure compliance with best practices, while our corporate social responsibility initiatives focus on community engagement and net-zero emissions by 2050. This combination of tradition, innovation, and integrity has solidified our reputation as a trusted construction partner.
Services
Building Construction
Civil Engineering
Fit-Out & Refurbishment
Facilities Management
Conservation
Healthcare Construction
Education Infrastructure
Residential Development
Commercial Projects
Heritage Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of construction experience with director-level project oversight
- Our family-owned ethos ensures personal accountability and client-focused delivery
- We hold ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 accreditations for quality and safety
- Our team includes 40 skilled professionals with sector-specific expertise
- We maintain long-term relationships through consistent delivery of value and quality
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 45001
- Constructionline Gold
- SSIP
- CIF
- CIRI
What people say
Excellent reputation
High quality construction
Director-level oversight
Repeat business
Industry awards
Services
Building Construction
We deliver innovative new build projects tailored to client requirements across commercial, healthcare, and education sectors. Our approach combines modern construction techniques with proven project management to ensure timely completion within budget. With ISO-certified quality control, we create functional spaces that meet evolving end-user needs while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering solutions connect built environments through roads, utilities, and public works projects. We specialise in site preparation, drainage systems, and structural frameworks that support long-term infrastructure resilience. Using advanced surveying and design coordination, we ensure compliance with regulatory standards while optimising project efficiency.
Fit-Out & Refurbishment
We transform existing spaces through comprehensive fit-out and refurbishment services for commercial and residential properties. Our team manages interior upgrades, system installations, and heritage-sensitive renovations while minimising disruption. By combining specialist subcontractor coordination with material expertise, we deliver modernised spaces that enhance functionality and value.
Conservation Projects
Specialising in historic building preservation, we restore architectural heritage using traditional techniques and materials. Our conservation approach balances modern functionality with original design integrity, particularly evident in award-winning projects like the QUB Lanyon Building restoration. We work closely with heritage bodies to maintain structural authenticity while meeting contemporary standards.
Facilities Management
We provide proactive facilities management services that optimise building performance and lifecycle costs. Our solutions include planned maintenance, system upgrades, and compliance management for commercial and public sector properties. Through strategic partnerships and in-house expertise, we ensure operational continuity while improving energy efficiency and user comfort.
People
John McGivern
Co-Founder
John McGivern co-founded Killowen Contracts in 1974, establishing its reputation for quality construction. His leadership focused on client relationships and operational excellence until his passing in 2025, leaving a legacy of integrity and craftsmanship.
Noel McGivern
Co-Founder
Noel McGivern co-founded the company with his brother John in 1974. He played a pivotal role in developing the business's strategic direction and maintaining its family-owned values, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality construction projects across Ireland.
Questions
What sectors does Killowen Contracts specialise in?
We specialise in commercial, healthcare, education, residential, ecclesiastical, and conservation projects, delivering tailored construction solutions across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
How long has the company been operating?
Killowen Contracts has been delivering construction projects since 1974, with over 50 years of combined management experience in the industry.
What accreditations does the company hold?
We maintain ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 45001 (health & safety) accreditations, along with Constructionline Gold and SSIP certifications.
Do you handle heritage building restoration?
Yes, our conservation team specialises in heritage restoration, as demonstrated by award-winning projects like the QUB Lanyon Building refurbishment and Clonard Monastery works.
What is your approach to project management?
We use a hands-on, director-led approach with dedicated contract teams, ensuring close client collaboration from initial design through to project completion and beyond.
