The Ross Hotel, in Killarney, has all the advantages of a city hotel but without the noise and razzmatazz.
I don’t usually look for something so upmarket. But with Ireland’s uncertain weather I wanted a hotel with extras in case the rain fell for days. In practice, I needn’t have bothered, as I has almost unbroken sunshine, but as that is unusual for Ireland I’d still recommend the Ross.
I don’t know what once stood on this busy corner, but this newly-built hotel manages to appear spacious even though, from the outside, it looks a little cramped. In fact it’s a Tardis, with large, airy rooms and modern bathrooms (both bath and shower – with copious hot water). There is air conditioning for rare warm days. And well-glazed windows to keep out the city’s noise should you need a night off from the Guinness.
I didn’t try the restaurant – with such kind weather I was out and about all the time. But the menus are comprehensive. Everything is accessible by wheelchair, as you’d expect from a modern hotel.
I love Ireland and with the weather so kind I walked my socks off. But, less than a hundred yards along the road, is the Ross’s sister hotel: The Killarney Park. Residents of the Ross can use the Killarney Park’s facilities, including the pool and spa – so there is somewhere to lounge around if the weather keeps you indoors. They also offer parking to Ross residents, which is invaluable in the middle of this busy city.
The most important thing – the Irish welcome is unequivocal. The young women on the desk greeted me each evening as if I were the one person they wanted to walk through the door. If I needed advice, suggestions, or help, they were quick to give it. I might not have needed their luxury, given my good fortune with the weather, but I’d go back tomorrow just to see them. (And maybe for the Guinness.)
