The Sea Rooms at Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa enters an exciting new chapter this season with the launch of The Sea Rooms – Smokehouse, a complete reinvention of its dining concept, menu style, and culinary direction.

Rooted in fire cooking and exceptional Irish produce, the new Smokehouse concept places generous sharing plates and bold, flavour led dishes at the heart of the dining experience. Cooking over flame defines this next phase, with each dish prepared on a custom-built Smokin’ Soul grill that brings depth, character, and a distinctive natural smokiness to the menu.

Menus follow the rhythm of the seasons and are shaped by the ingredients found close to home. The kitchen works closely with Kelly’s Kitchen Garden and trusted local suppliers, using the finest Irish meat, fish, and vegetables to ensure freshness, provenance, and integrity on every plate. The focus is on honest food treated with care and respect, presented in a way that encourages relaxed, sociable dining rather than formality.

Sharing is central to The Sea Rooms, Smokehouse experience. The newly introduced Chef’s Dinner Menu replaces the previous tasting format with a handpicked selection of signature dishes designed for two people to enjoy together. An optional wine pairing, curated by Bill Kelly, complements the new menu. The popular Train Lunch Special continues from Wednesday to Friday, while the restaurant is now open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch, with extended Sunday service, and Thursday to Saturday for dinner.

Leading this new culinary direction is newly appointed Head Chef David Harte, who takes over from Chris Fullam. Named Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year in 2025, David brings exceptional technical expertise and a deep commitment to Irish ingredients. His approach combines creativity with restraint, allowing premium produce and fire cooking techniques to take centre stage.

He is supported by Front of House Managers Agnes and Demi, whose warmth and professionalism ensure the dining room remains polished yet welcoming. Together, the team has created an atmosphere where guests can enjoy elevated food within a relaxed coastal setting.

A Winter of Investment and Reinvention

The relaunch of The Sea Rooms forms part of a significant programme of winter investment across the resort. During the seasonal closure, the hotel undertook the refurbishment of 22 bedrooms, working in collaboration with LUCA Architects to further elevate comfort, layout, and contemporary coastal design throughout.

The Aqua Club and Leisure Centre has also been completely reimagined, with a full refurbishment of the reception area and changing rooms to enhance the guest experience. In addition, the Blue Room has been transformed into a dedicated space for younger guests, featuring relaxed seating with bean bags, television, and computer gaming facilities, creating a modern hub where children and teenagers can gather and unwind.

This latest phase of development reflects the ongoing commitment of Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa to continuous reinvention and investment, ensuring that the property continues to evolve while remaining true to its heritage of hospitality.

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For generations, Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa has set the benchmark for Irish coastal hospitality. With continued investment in design, wellness, and culinary excellence, the resort remains committed to evolving with confidence while preserving the warmth, authenticity, and sense of place that have long defined the Kelly’s experience.Top of Form