This smart revival of a historic townhouse sits in one of Ireland's most picturesque small towns. If you haven't heard of Kinsale, you're missing a treat. Dating back 800 years, this southern port town enjoys a sheltered position on the north bend of the River Bandon, which flows into the Atlantic south of Cork. It's perhaps best known for its colourful streets and as Ireland's gourmet capital, with a thriving restaurant and cafe culture, great markets and tempting food tours, making it beloved by foodies from all over.
When you're done feasting, you can roll into a food coma at this handsome four-bedroom house in the centre of town. Charismatic owner Fiona spent lockdown renovating the property, executing lavishing care and attention to every detail. The result is a calm and elegant place to stay, ideal for an extended family or a group of couples as a base for exploring Kinsale and the stunning Cork coastline, including the famous Wild Atlantic Way. And if there's the odd (perhaps inevitable!) rainy day, it's very much a cosy home for spending time indoors. The artfully curated living room is a beautiful space for relaxing, with its mix of seating, paintings, panelled walls and bright scatter cushions, while the formal dining room invites long, leisurely meals together. Elsewhere is a well-equipped kitchen for creating your own culinary masterpieces, plus a contemporary-styled outdoor courtyard with seating and planters - ideal for alfresco afternoon tea breaks. The four bedrooms are smart yet understated, and if your group size is smaller than eight you can book out just two or three of them for a reduced rate and still have the run of the house. What a wonderful place to retreat to in a hidden gem of a town.
Highs
- A thoughtfully converted Georgian property retaining original features, such as the high-ceilinged period hallway, but with thoroughly modern facilities
- An honesty bar with excellent Cork whiskey and gin and a range of mixers on offer
- Fiona is a really helpful host, advising us on the best restaurants and most fun local activities
- Close to all Kinsale's attractions, whether historical, culinary, artistic or nautical
- You can book the house on a 2- or 3-bedroom basis if you're a smaller party
Lows
- Not ideal for pre-schoolers given the stairs and lovely fixtures and fittings, but would suit a family or two with older children
- Parking on the street outside is currently limited but there is a spot directly behind the house once you’ve unloaded
- The property is on a well-used road, however we heard very little traffic noise
- The courtyard is quite small
Best time to go
The popular Kinsale Regatta happens at the end of July/early August each year, and there's a jazz festival at the end of October, so book ahead if you're planning to visit at these times. Summer in general is the busiest and the beaches are at their best, but the Wild Atlantic Way is a draw year-round; winters are very elemental and wet although relatively mild.
Our top tips
Make time for pre-dinner drinks in The Spaniard Inn, which has been serving pints since about 1650. If you're a fan of authentic Irish stout beers, you should sample Cork’s own Beamish or Murphy’s over Dublin-brewed Guinness.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests