The Ross

The Ross has a colorful, fun boutique vibe and a contemporary aesthetic that’s stylish without being too trendy. Guests enter a lobby with a green-and-red geometric print rug, vintage posters and maps, a red floral print sofa, and a fireplace. The large glass windows with views of the street give guests a primo spot to people watch with coffee in hand. But the Ross also offers a second option for lounging -- the warm and inviting residence lounge -- decked out with chocolate brown and burgundy sofas, red upholstered chairs, and chandeliers. And there's an outdoor patio with orange, blue, and red plastic chairs for those that like to lounge alfresco. The richly decorated restaurant continues the contemporary look with hardwood floors, striped wallpaper, a piano, and chairs clad in violet and gold. Locals come to mingle at the subtly lit bar with its retro dark woods, pink-and-green striped walls, vintage posters, and pink, violet, and yellow vinyl seating.

The Ross is on a busy street with visitors coming in and out all day. A mix of tourists and domestic leisure travelers stay here. Couples appreciate the intimate feel, and singles enjoy the bar's chic nightlife. 

The Ross is on Kenmare Place in the center of Killarney, across from the horse-drawn carriages that take visitors around tourist attractions. This street has plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. Overall, the location has the benefit of being close to the vibrant city center, while offering a respite from the hustle and bustle. Simply by crossing Kenmare Place and walking about two minutes west down Mission Road, guests can enter the tranquil Killarney National Park, Ireland's first national park. The Killarney bus and railway station is a three-minute walk northeast of the hotel. Other sites are also nearby. St. Mary's Cathedral, considered one of Ireland's best 19th-century Gothic Revival churches, is a 12-minute walk west. Fitzgerald Stadium, Host of Gaelic Games competitions, is a 12-minute walk north. The 15th-century tower house Ross Castle is a five-minute drive southeast, and Torc Waterfall is a 10-minute drive south. Kerry Airport is a 20-minute drive north.

The Ross has 29 rooms in its three-floor building. Units are clean, mostly quiet, and spacious, starting at 400 square feet. They aren’t overly luxurious but do have a slightly upscale boutique feel. The color palette in most rooms is chocolate brown, beige, light blue, and white, with a few rooms sporting dashes of mauve. All rooms come with air-conditioning, hairdryers, desks, safes, coffee/tea makers, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Some suites have added elements like fireplaces and pink-and-beige striped armchairs. Keep in mind that certain rooms may get noise from the bar and busy street on weekend nights. Views from rooms are of the adjacent church garden, town center, and the walls of Killarney National Park across the street. Bathrooms are clean and bright, with decent toiletries and separate tubs and showers, though lack of counter space can be an issue in some rooms. 

As a small hotel, The Ross has few on-site facilities, though it does feature an excellent restaurant, with a breakfast selection of hot and cold Irish and continental items (for a fee). Lunch and dinner features innovative Irish and international fare with locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include char-grilled lamb patties with mango chutney; roast breast of Skeaghanore duck with grilled figs, orange slices, red currant, and onion relish; and baked prosciutto-wrapped hake with spicy lentil salad. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, a titillating dessert menu, and 24-hour room service. The cocktail bar serves light fare and a wide range of drinks, offering a lively social scene at night with DJs and plenty of locals. Events like cocktail classes and bachelor and bachelorette parties are frequently hosted here. The Ross also has a business center and 24-hour front desk with concierge service.

Other amenity highlights are actually found a short walk east at The Ross’s sister property, The Killarney Park Hotel. Here guests can swim laps in the indoor pool, soak in the indoor hot tub and bubble pool, and sweat in the sauna. A second hot tub is outdoors, overlooking private gardens. The Killarney Park also has free parking, a fitness center, and full-service spa with eight treatment rooms and an array of massages, facials, and treatments.