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.
- Boutique Townhouse
- 1 house for 4-8
- Self-catering; restaurants nearby
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
The ground floor reception rooms exude laid-back opulence with statement lighting, interesting (but uncluttered) objet d'arts, strong yet complementary colours, modern artwork, and new parquet flooring.
There are four bedrooms: one double on the ground floor; the others (two doubles, one twin) on the floor above. Both queensize doubles have ensuite shower rooms, while the twin-bedded room (or a king if required) has its own shower room across the hall.
Pick of the bunch is the master bedroom, where we stayed, which has a huge kingsize bed and a large ensuite with shower and slipper bath beside the window. If our bed was anything to go by, they're all very comfortable – the mattress hit the sweet spot between too firm and too soft.
All bedrooms are tastefully decorated in soothing tones of dove, sage and sand; beds have quilted counterpanes and padded headboards. Bathrooms have tongue-and-groove panelling and star-patterned tiles, while much thought has been given to guests’ needs with good storage spaces and ample sockets. Bathrobes, slippers, toiletries by [] and thick white towels complete the luxurious vibe.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Tumble dryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
The kitchen is very well equipped for catering for all meals. Condiments are supplied and there's a really good range of crockery and glassware, just as if you were dining at home and/or inviting people back.
Up to four or five can eat informally in the dining area by the kitchen, while the dining room proper has a lovely square table and smart orange chairs which seats eight.
There was a wonderful welcome hamper (for booking through i-escape) with all we needed for breakfast including local bread, jams, muesli and milk, as well as a bottle of Prosecco and snacks for the evening of our arrival. The nearest supermarket is a 2-minute walk.
Kinsale has a great selection of restaurants, many just mere steps away down Market Street and Market Quay, whose menus often focus on wonderful fish dishes – not surprising given the proximity to the Atlantic! Try breakfast at renowned OHK Cafe a few doors up, for food to go, head to the Gourmet Pantry. Man Friday has good views across the harbour, while Fishy Fishy does what it says on the tin at the water's edge. Fiona can recommend according to your preferred cuisine, budget and setting.
Features include:
- Restaurants nearby
- Welcome hamper
Activities
- Eating and drinking will be high on your agenda – Kinsale is Ireland's gourmet capital and one fifth of Ireland's Michelin star restaurants are located in Cork City and County, including Bastion which is a 3-minute walk from the house
- Sailing – the annual Kinsale Regatta is the end of July/early August
- Walk the Kinsale Loop – a 6km circuit with stunning views
- Golf – the Old Head of Kinsale Links is one of Ireland’s most well-known golf courses; there’s also a restaurant and spa for when you’ve finished your 18 holes
- Many beaches are nearby including Kinsale Beach (5-minute drive), Sandycove Beach (8-minute drive) and Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach (15-minute drive)
- Visit the spectacular 17th-century Charles Fort, which looks out over the harbour and across at its twin James’ Fort, guarding the other side of the harbour
- Cork City (25 minutes' drive) has great shopping, galleries (the Crawford is our favourite) and loads of restaurants and cafes including the Michelin-referenced Ichigo Ichie
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Fishing
- Golf
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Private guided tours
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome at The Kinsale Boutique Hideaway, though we think the house isn't set up for toddlers due to the stairs and the good quality fixtures and fittings. Note there isn't much at the house specifically for kids. Baby cots are available on request.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
One of the upstairs bedrooms is set up as a twin room.
Cots Available
Baby equipment:
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities nearby:
Distances:
- Airport: 20 minutes
- Hospital: 25 minutes (also a local community health hub 4 minutes away)
- Shops: 3 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Kinsale Boutique Hideaway is in the heart of Kinsale, Ireland's gourmet capital, which is just 30 minutes from Cork, and the start (or end!) of the famous Wild Atlantic Way. The town is on the north bank of the River Bandon estuary, and has a sheltered harbour.
By Air:
Fly to Cork which is well served by airlines from all over. An airport transfer can be booked.
By Car:
Most will self-drive from the airport or from within Ireland. And if you're intent on seeing some of the spectacular coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way you will likely prefer to have a car; public transport options are limited. If you need to hire a car see our recommendations.
By Train:
You can get the train from Dublin to Cork (2hr40m), you will then need a taxi transfer or to get a bus to Kinsale.
By Ferry:
If coming from the continent to Ireland by car, you can take the ferry from Roscoff to Cork; it's a short drive to Kinsale thereafter.
Detailed directions will be sent once you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Cork Airport 19.0 km ORK
Other:
- Beach 12.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km