Inchydoney Island, Clonakilty P85 X258 Ireland, Clonakilty, Ireland | (937) 315-4602
Postcard-perfect beachfront location
Ocean-facing, higher floor rooms have stunning views
Spa with thalassotherapy treatments, seawater swimming pool, and sauna
Family-catering facilities like kids' play room
Three restaurants, including the Lounge, which serves lunch and afternoon tea
Glass of Irish Mist upon arrival, and homemade jam upon departure
Hotel arranges activities such as surf lessons, kayaking, and whale-watching
All rooms have private balconies
Free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout
Free breakfast
Pool needs a revamp
Ground-floor rooms look out onto parking lot
Dunes restaurant can get overcrowded
Apartments feel a bit basic
Weak Wi-Fi signal
Perched on a tiny island off the West Cork coast, dramatically overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the 67-room Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is a scenic, full-service resort getaway for those who love the sea and outdoor pursuits. The rooms each have private balconies and contemporary style, though they are showing a bit of wear and the dark color scheme may strike some as ill-suited for the seaside locale. The spa's signature seawater therapy pool -- its water pumped in daily from the neighboring ocean -- is quite an attraction, though it, too, could use a refresh. For many guests, the stunning seaside setting more than compensates for the rest, but it may also be worth considering the Dunmore House.
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Scene
Nautical-themed beach hotel that's popular with day-trippers in summer
Inspired by the sea that surrounds it and the neighboring artists' town of Clonakilty, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa has a nautical theme with a modern-art twist; the Dunes Pub resembles a contemporary take on a fishing boat, local maritime-themed art adorns the walls, and even the swimming pool is filled with seawater. The lobby, with its rustic light wood floors, driftwood furniture pieces, plaid and striped fabric accents, and charming wood fireplace, is one of the more appealing common spaces. In warmer months, locals flock to the island's Blue Flag Beach and the hotel's adequate dining options -– stick with the classic dishes. The result is that the property can feel quite bustling at times.
Location
Rugged oceanfront setting, with plenty of outdoor activities
Inchydoney's beachfront location on a tiny island in West Cork is its true highlight. Views throughout are almost unanimously breathtaking, and days can easily be spent on the beach or in the water, surfing, kayaking, swimming, whale-watching, boating, and more. Numerous hiking and biking trails are readily accessible, as well, offering picturesque vantages of the dramatic Irish coastline. Kinsale, Ireland's gourmet capital, is approximately a 50-minute drive away, while Cork City is about an hour's drive away. The only downside to the hotel's location is that the signage is minimal in Clonakilty, the nearest mainland town, accessed by a causeway. Parking at the hotel is free.
Rooms
Contemporary, if dark and slightly worn, each with a private balcony
The best feature of the 67 rooms at this property is the private balcony with Adirondack chairs; those on the higher floors, facing the ocean, have spectacular views, while those on the ground floor look out on the parking lot. Inside, the decor is contemporary in style but showing slight wear, and can feel rather dark (dark woods, dark carpet, dark wallpaper). Overall, though, the rooms are clean and the beds notably comfortable. Each room has a Nespresso machine, bathrobes, and free Wi-Fi, though the latter can be spotty. The bathrooms are clean, modern, and spacious, with lots of gray tile.
Big groups and families may want to consider the large apartments with full kitchens, though the decor in these can be quite basic.
Features
Restaurants, guest lounges, and thalassotherapy spa
Inchydoney takes full advantage of its coastal location, from the floor-to-ceiling windows in both Dunes Pub and the Gulfstream Restaurant to the seawater-filled pool. Indeed, the entire Island Spa draws on the water theme, from the signature thalassotherapy treatments to the steam room and sauna; it's no real surprise, then, the thalassotherapy treatments tend to be better than the traditional massages. Families appreciate the kids' lounge and family lounge, and the main Lounge, where lunch and afternoon tea are served, is a welcome respite after a day out and about. The Snooker Room is a truly Irish touch. Thoughtful, homey extras include as a glass of Irish Mist upon arrival and homemade jam upon departure.
