Can I have a snapshot of your career?
I had a short career in event management before moving home to Killarney in 2009 to help with The Ross and I have been “helping” ever since
When did the Ross Hotel open and what it’s history?
The Ross was purchased by my grandmother Marie Treacy from her Aunt Julia O’Donoghue in 1938. She ran the hotel as a single woman at a time when owning your own business as a female was unheard of. My father took over The Ross in the 1980’s and I have followed suit in the past decade.
How has business being this summer?
Interesting and mentally challenging to say the least. We, like all hospitality businesses throughout the country have had a staff shortage so we have had to box clever and limit our accommodation options to work with what we can service.
How have you coped with staff shortages?
We have coped by trying to mind our team that we have and not put undue pressure on them by overselling on rooms or food and beverage.
As The Ross is in Killarney town have you been able to provide outdoor dining?
Yes, we have operated with 12 tables outside on a walk-in basis which has been hugely successful. It’s amazing to see how many people are happy to eat in the rain.
What changes have you made to enhance guests’ experiences?
We added a retail space in our lobby called The Little Shop of Lovely Things selling eco-friendly products, house made condiments and our signature breads, along with natural wines which has been a lovely addition for residents and locals alike.
How are bookings, what is the autumn looking like?
September is pleasantly strong and October is still slow but we don’t see pick up there until mid-September.
Where are your guests coming from mainly?
99% Irish currently with the Dublin market preforming well. Come Autumn, we will mostly have a Munster market.
Are there any signs of recovery in the overseas market yet?
Not at this time. Access is a huge problem and I don’t think we have seen the extent to how impactful this is until 2022 unless there is a massive recovery in the airline industry before that, which I sincerely doubt.