The tradition of using the kettle as a method of boiling water at lunchtime, goes back to the 1890's in the West Coast of Ireland and the design has changed little since it was first introduced. Lough Conn was, and still is, famous for its free rising brown trout and fresh run Salmon from the River Moy system. During the fishing season, local angling guides keep watch for the small pillar of smoke on the lake shore which indicated that a fellow ghillie already had a 'brew' on! A hot cup of tea or soup awaits anyone who lands and the Kettle is boiled repeatedly as additional boats laden with anglers arrive. Tradition dictates that both the angling guide and his guests (usually 2 anglers to his boat) together gather dry tinder for the kettle from the lake shore. It's a ritual really! Then, the guide will quickly boil up the kettle providing fresh tea / coffee for the anglers. In return for his hospitality, the boatman/guide received lunch and perhaps a drop of whiskey from the anglers! ;-)
To this day, the Kelly family still provide a Boat Hire & Ghillie service on Lough Conn, Co. Mayo. Visiting anglers are as intrigued today as they were some 125yrs ago with the speed at which the water can be boiled.  Through word of mouth, these anglers have spread word about the kettles worldwide.
Nowadays, the Kelly Kettle is a centerpiece in most campsites and a guaranteed conversation starter. If you have seen one in action, you will understand why!

Now considered an essential piece of camping equipment, Kelly Kettles are been used by all types of outdoor enthusiasts such as explorers, Kayakers, hikers, Car Campers, Scouts, Hunters, Gardeners, fun family picnics, at music festivals, or as a vital item in emergency preparedness & wilderness survival kits.

Proud of our history, we are always on the look out for interesting stories from the past and present regarding our Kettles and look forward to receiving them from you, our valued customers.