FBD Hotels boss has ‘renewed optimism’ about hospitality in wake of €25m Killashee acquisition

David Kelly says the firm’s plan to invest over €5m in the Kildare hotel is a sign of its confidence in the domestic tourism market

David Kelly, chief executive of FBD Hotels and Resorts: ‘People are treating themselves more after the pandemic. They’re taking even longer breaks and taking more breaks, so we are seeing the leisure market coming back to life.’ Picture: Barry Cronin

When the Business Post arrived at Killashee Hotel last week, David Kelly was in the process of putting his company’s stamp on the property.

FBD Hotels & Resorts recently paid €25 million to acquire the hotel, which is located just outside Naas in Co Kildare, and in doing so, saw off competition from eight other bidders.

All of which explains why the company’s chief executive was surrounded by an interior design team in the lobby ...