Page 68 - Our Wexford

KELLY’S RESORT HOTEL

Kelly’s Resort Hotel in Rosslare whose great-grandfather William they expanded and began offering
is iconic in the tourism industry Joseph established the business. accommodation.
in Ireland. According to its “We have 1,800 man years Bill’s grandfather Nicholas and
owner Bill Kelly the key lies in of experience across the staff, his father William J. followed on,
its history and individuality.
there is a continuity of service making their own contributions to
Established in the early 1890s, and friendliness that I think is the development of the hotel. His
Kelly’s has survived and thrived essential. You can build a palace mother Breda is still involved.
through 120 years of changing but it’s only people who will bring Today Kelly’s employs 190
social trends. It is a family-run people back again,” he says. people, has three restaurants, two
jewel with a proud history of It all started when William Joseph bars, 118 bedrooms, two indoor
excellence; proprietor Bill Kelly and his wife Mary opened a tea swimming pools, a fitness centre,
is the fourth generation to carry rooms in a timber structure on steam room, sauna, outdoor
on that tradition. The fifth the site, to cater for 19th century Canadian hot tub and indoor and
generation of the family Laura visitors arriving on the train to go outdoor tennis courts.
Kelly has also recently returned to the beach. Within a few years,
to Wexford to take on a role in
ABOVE:
Bill Kelly and running the hotel.
his daughter Families have been visiting
Laura Kelly
this special seaside place for
RIGHT: generations. The hotel is rooted
Kelly’s Hotel
in history but has its feet firmly
planted in the 21st century. It
offers real hospitality and personal
service with a confidence borne of
experience.

So, what’s the secret to Kelly’s
success? “It’s very much the same
ethos while keeping up with
changing demands,” says Bill,

68 OUR WEXFORD