An iconic seaside retreat renowned for its multigenerational appeal, activity programmes and gourmet getaways …
NEED TO KNOW: The fifth-generation family business is managed by Bill Kelly, his wife, Isabelle Avril, and their daughters Laura and Grace.
ACCOMMODATION: Family rooms and suites designed by LUCA Architecture are bright, comfortable and elegant. Mine had a balcony overlooking the beach, with ESPA amenities and bedlinen from Bottom Drawer in Brown Thomas. There’s also a self-catering lodge for up to 13.
DINING: Menus created by chef Philip Brazil incorporate ingredients from Kelly’s Kitchen Garden. Breakfast and dinner is served in Beaches Restaurant, with museum-worthy art on the walls. Less formal is La Marine Bar & Bistro for lunch and dinner. A highlight for guests on a half-board basis is complimentary tea and cakes in The Ivy Room, where a children’s buffet is also served from 5pm to 6pm. A private dining room is named after artist Maurice MacGonigal whose works feature.
DON’T: Miss the stunning Sea Rooms Restaurant (named after the hotel’s original Tea Rooms opened by William J Kelly in 1895) where chef Chris Fullam’s creative menus are popular, especially with food tourists who book the Train Lunch Special. Guests arrive by train to Rosslare at 12.30pm and depart at 5.30pm, which allows time for a beach stroll.
DO: Investigate the wine cellar of over 60,000 bottles.
ACTIVITIES: Superb. Daily yoga, aqua aerobics, pilates, bowling, croquet, and crazy golf sessions are included. For racketeers: indoor and outdoor tennis courts, pickleball, table tennis, padel, and badminton. Free golf clinics and special green fees are offered at local clubs: Rosslare, St Helen’s Bay and Wexford. Children have supervised Pirates and Starfish Clubs.
DON’T: Miss the serene SeaSpa with thalasso therapies and expertly delivered ESPA and Caudalie treatments (ask for Fidelma).
DO: Appreciate the art collection which includes a portrait by Colin Davidson of Breda Kelly, who is responsible for building the collection.
VERDICT: Outstanding, nostalgic and nourishing.
BOOK: A midweek, half-board overnight stay costs €200 per person sharing; www.kellys.ie.
