By Michelle Crean

A much loved local not-for-profit café has reopened its doors for indoor dining this week much to the delight of their regulars.

After the latest easing of COVID restrictions Ross Café at the Kerry Mental Health Association offices - which serves deliciously home-cooked food, freshly made sandwiches, home-baking and other tasty treats on Upper Lewis Road - is open to everyone daily form 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday.

The café had reopened for outdoor dining and take away last month and so far, customers have been enjoying the “céad míle fáilte” from popular staff Cathleen Collins and Mags Keogh.

“There’s a warm ambience and a feeling of positivity when you walk through the doors of the Ross Café," General Manager of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, said.

"That’s something we’ve all been craving since the onset of the pandemic and the subsequent temporary closure of the café. Customers who come to enjoy the Ross Café experience can be assured that the profits go towards the promotion of the general welfare of people and to support those with mental health challenges and their families and carers.”

The café first opened in 2016 and, until the arrival of the pandemic, it has expanded to cater for the growing number of customers who enjoy the opportunity to take some time out and relax in good company.

The facilities at the Kerry Mental Health Association Offices, formerly Ross Products, offer a number of meeting rooms which can be rented out to community groups and other charities catering for different activities. These include: art, relaxation, computer training, counselling, Bingo, music, drama and exercise classes. However, due to the ongoing COVID restrictions, the rooms remain closed until further notice.