Ross (The)

A stunningly stylish hotel in the heart of Killarney....

We always get excited about great Good Food Ireland finds, but this one is making us very excited indeed.  We think we’ve found what could quite possibly be the funkiest hotel in the land – and we think you’ll think so too when you visit The Ross in Killarney.  Resident Manager Ciara Treacy is a lady of unique style.  And she brings that to this boutique hotel in the town centre.  As the daughter of well-established Killarney hotelier Padraig Treacy, owner of sister establishment the luxurious Killarney Park Hotel along the road, and the third generation of this family to go into the business, she was brought up with hotels in her blood.  Ciara has inherited the qualities and professional attitude it takes to make guests feel welcomed, looked after and right at home when away from home.

The Ross has been in the Treacy family since 1928.  Back in the day it had a traditional frontage and an old fashioned approach.  The comfort of guests was always at the heart of the ethos here, and the family’s personal touch ensured a relaxed stay.  Naturally, good food was always a given.  It still is – but we’ll get to that in a moment.  Firstly though, what can you expect when you come here in this modern age?  Well, all we can say is we haven’t seen anything like it this side of San Francisco.  The Ross underwent a major refurbishment to re-open in its new form in 2006.  The traditional frontage has been respected, with bay windows upstairs still intact and tastefully renovated, whilst the entrance and interior has been given an uber-chic overhaul.  The lobby is rigged out with citrus green upholstery and chairs, polished black porcelain floor and little art deco touches that reflect the original building – plus the original panelled ceiling which fits in beautifully.  A mirrored reception desk is a work of art.  And if you’re only passing, you can have coffee on a comfy sofa or at one of the café tables in the window of the Nespresso Lounge in the lobby and just soak up the style.  Your coffee will come with a homemade cookie too.  How good is that?

For overnight guests, rooms are finished to the highest of standards.  Deluxe rooms have sumptuous beds and feather pillows and duvets, complimenting upholstery with London Guild materials, flat screen TV and contemporary bathrooms en-suite.  Suites here are gloriously comfy, with super king size beds, separate sitting areas and log fires for those damp days, and electronically operated blinds on the windows to ensure you get some much needed peaceful shut-eye during the night.  All rooms offer views either over the town or the church and tiny streets surrounding.  On top floor, a small sun terrace for residents allows you to enjoy a drink outdoors while looking over the town and entrance to the national park beyond - and of course the waiting line of Killarney’s famous open topped horse-drawn carriages that can take you for spin round the town later on.  Accommodation is offered on a room only basis, but you won’t want to miss breakfast and the full Irish to get you started.  Residents can also avail of the luxurious Spa treatments and swimming pool at the sister hotel, the five star Killarney Park, and just two minutes’ walk away.

In the Pink Lounge beyond the lobby, you can enjoy a drink at any time of day, and especially before dinner in Cellar One.  For residents, this restaurant is accessed from the lounge by a sweeping open staircase, befitting an Oscar winning style entrance to the modern upbeat dining space.  Again the colours of citrus and pinks dominate the theme, with intimate lighting for the dinner experience.  Richly decadent wooden floors combine with the exposed stone original walls, while simple table dressings and sparkling cutlery and glassware add to the sense of occasion.  On the mezzanine, a private dining room is available for larger family groups or intimate celebrations with friends.  The piano in the corner of Cellar One is played regularly, giving a lovely jazzy ambience to the atmosphere. 

So what can you expect to eat?  Well we did say we’d get to that. Food at Cellar One is in keeping with the contemporary style, so an eclectic menu covers all tastes.  If you fancy a ‘small plate’ – try the Wok Fried local Mussels with spring onion and ginger, a plate of Crostini with various toppings, or a Boudin of Clonakilty Black Pudding with Cashel Blue Cheese and Cider Sorbet and Crisp Cured Bacon.  Plates ‘Made to Share’ include big salads of fresh Spinach leaves, Red Onion, Chickpea and Feta Cheese, or a meaty Duck Breast Salad with Pink Grapefruit, Fresh Fig, Spinach and Rocket.  ‘Big Plates’ sum up the main courses.  Char Grilled Kerry Beef comes with a fluffy Red Onion Mash, Tomato and Chorizo Ragout and a Pepper and Brandy Cream.  Fish lovers might choose the Prawns, Mussels and Sliced Baby Potatoes in Tomato Broth with Crusty Bread.  The Tequila Prawns and Firecracker Rice are not to be missed, oozing with spice and Tequila butter.  Have we tempted you?  We hope so!  Follow all that with a selection of homemade desserts, including a tasting plate of house puds, or an Irish and Continental Cheese Selection served with Oatcakes, Home Made Chutney and Granny Smith Apples. Food is sourced from local producers and suppliers, in keeping with Good Food Ireland’s strict criteria.  Dry aged beef, lamb and pork come from the local butcher and fresh fish and seafood from the Kerry Coast comes from a renowned local fish specialist.  Head Chef Ian McMonagle turns on his own particular brand of sophistication in his treatment of these quality ingredients, as you can see from the choice.  Compliment your food with a bottle from the extensive wine list.  Everything here, from classic Old World choices to New World discoveries, and a pick from the Sparkling section – all wines are great value and prices start very reasonably for a bottle to share.

For those who want a relaxed lunch or supper – The Lane Café-Bar is the place to dine.  For a start, it’s got the best cocktail bar in Killarney.  Its Master Mixologist wins prizes for his skills.  You can choose your cocktail from the extensive list.  And he’s forever creating new ones with a seasonal twist.  If you just fancy a good old G&T, a Whiskey on the rocks or a Vodka shot – you’ll find your specific favourite here.  Specialist spirits are all listed – just take your pick.  Food wise – The Lane offers a brasserie style menu with a choice of smaller and bigger dishes, and always a freshly made soup of the day, plus three specials which make the most of what’s readily available in ingredients on the day.  There’s something for everyone here, to be enjoyed in a lively setting with glamorous cocktail bar, and generous banquette and high stool seating.  The exterior wall is all glass and looks over the busy laneway through the town in front of the church – hence the name of the bar – so you’ll enjoy a spot of people watching as you eat.

The Ross may have made a giant leap from old style hotel to modern boutique accommodation, but the beating heart is still its family touch and personal approach to customers.  And great food too.  We guarantee you’ll have a good time here. 

Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

The Ross
Killarney
Co Kerry
+353 (0) 63 6631855
Email: info@theross.ie
Web: www.theross.ie

 

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