Our Team at The Rose Hotel, have great stories to tell. One of those stories belongs to Laurent, a member of our food & beverage team, who came from France to Tralee and sees firsthand what makes this part of Ireland so popular for visitors and locals alike.
Meet Laurent:
Laurent is originally from Amiens, in northern France. He joined The Rose Hotel in November 2024, first assisting in event spaces. Today, guests may meet him as a waiter in the Park Restaurant — or during his first shifts in Dott’s Bar.
Hospitality isn’t new to Laurent. He first came to Ireland in 2000, working in Dublin, and later returned several times for holidays, including trips around the Ring of Kerry, which left a lasting impression.
Back in France, he became a French & history teacher and often encouraged his students to study abroad (many choosing Ireland) before eventually following the same path himself.
In August 2024, Laurent moved to Ireland with his wife and their three children, so they could attend school and become fluent in English.
Why Tralee felt like home:
Before relocating, Laurent explored several towns but knew he wanted somewhere smaller, quieter, and more family-friendly than a large city. Having previously lived in places similar in size to Cork, he was looking for a slower, more balanced pace of life for his family.
That search eventually led them to Tralee, which offered everything they needed — good schools, beautiful surroundings, and a strong sense of community, all without the pressure of a busy city.
The family settled near Ballyheigue, close to the beach, arriving by ferry with their belongings and beginning their new chapter by the sea.
First impressions of life in Tralee:
What stood out most was the scenery: mountains framing the town, the constant presence of the sea, and the green landscape that shifts with the light and weather. Even the small things felt new — the local food, the shops, and the rhythm of daily life.
Discovering Tralee like a visitor:
One of the first places Laurent explored was Fenit, with walks along the shore toward St. Brendan’s statue, followed by trips to Banna Beach.
He was impressed by how every small town seems to have its own petrol station, café, and local shop — and by just how friendly people are.
What continues to fascinate him is how alive the landscape feels. He loves watching the tides move through rivers and waterways, giving the surroundings a sense of constant motion. One of his favourite spots to take it all in is along the Tralee Canal, where every walk feels different.
What visitors love about Tralee:
Working in hospitality, Laurent often hears directly from guests about what they enjoy most. Visitors are consistently drawn to Tralee’s rich sense of culture, from traditional music and theatre to local folklore, with performances at Siamsa Tíre being a particular highlight.
Beyond the town itself, Tralee is ideally located as a gateway to the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, and the Wild Atlantic Way. Even in winter, the mild climate makes it a welcoming destination year-round.
Laurent’s local recommendations:
Seeing Kerry through the eyes of someone still discovering it himself gives Laurent a unique perspective on what visitors should explore.
He recommends starting with Ballyseedy Woods, which offers great walking trails and is family-friendly. Other favourites include the historic village of Ardfert, with its impressive cathedral, charming local pubs, and cosy cafés.
As a keen runner, Laurent particularly enjoys the canal route, which he says changes character with the seasons.
Culture, Community & Traditions:
Laurent has been struck by how Ireland keeps its traditions alive. Celebrations such as Halloween and St. Brigid’s Day, along with local parades and Gaelic sporting events, give communities a strong connection to their past.
For someone who spent years teaching history, living in a country where these traditions remain visible and celebrated in everyday life has been particularly meaningful, allowing him to experience the culture he once learned about in a new way.
Working & Living in Tralee:
Working at The Rose Hotel has allowed Laurent to reconnect with people in a new way, in an environment that values teamwork, friendliness, and genuine care for guests — all while enjoying a calmer lifestyle for his family.
He has been impressed by how welcoming the local community is, making it easy for new arrivals to feel at home.
Laurent also loves Ireland’s strong connection to local agriculture. From fresh dairy to high-quality meat, the natural flavours and locally produced foods stand out compared to the more processed foods that he was used to in France.
What makes Tralee special:
Everything in Tralee feels within reach — nature is never far, the town is easily walkable, and the community is warm and welcoming. Local favourites like The Mall, independent shops, and traditional pubs give the town character, while clubs and schools make it easy for families to settle in.
For visitors, Tralee offers both a lively base for exploring Kerry and the chance to slow down and enjoy Ireland at a relaxed pace. For those who stay longer, like Laurent and his family, it becomes something even more meaningful: home.
At The Rose Hotel, we’re proud to have team members like Laurent who bring international experience while sharing genuine enthusiasm for life in Kerry.