Desmond House Kinsale

The Desmond House Kinsale provides a more luxurious experience than the typical bed-and-breakfast. It's housed in a charming gray Georgian home with white trimmings. Note that it shares the same building as the Old Presbytery, another bed-and-breakfast, so be sure to enter through the blue door. Travelers are greeted by Michael, the host, and past guests have raved over his knowledge of the area and the town's history as well as his superb breakfast-making skills. There’s not much in the way of public spaces besides the lovely breakfast room, which has red walls, antique wooden tables with blue-and-white tablecloths, a white fireplace, and natural lighting from a large bay window. There isn’t an elevator, though Michael can help carry luggage up and down the maroon carpeted stairs. Vacationing couples are the primary guests here.  

Desmond House is located near the city center and is just a three-minute walk from Main Street, which is filled with restaurants and small shops. Attractions such as Desmond Castle and Saint Multose Church are a one- to two-minute walk away. And it takes five minutes on foot to reach the harbor of the River Bandon. Charles Fort and James Fort are a bit farther, a nine-minute drive away, as is Old Head Golf Links, a 27-minute drive from the hotel. The closest airport is Cork Airport, which is 22 minutes by car. Some guests have noted difficulty in locating the hotel using GPS.

Each of the hotel’s four rooms has been individually decorated in an antique style, creating an overall traditional and romantic atmosphere -- though some guests may find it too fussy. All rooms are spacious and have floral carpet, antique dark-wood furniture, and plush armchairs made of velour or upholstered with prints. Accents such as floral art pieces on walls, chandeliers, or -- in one room -- a fireplace, add to the upscale feel. In-room features include flat-screen TVs, kettles with free tea and coffee, and small packages of cookies. There's no air-conditioning, but the weather rarely necessitates it. Bathrooms are quite modern for such a small Irish bed-and-breakfast, with shower/tub combos, pedestal sinks, deep whirlpool tubs, heated towel racks, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. 

As expected for a small bed-and-breakfast, features are limited but include a hearty homemade breakfast made by the host and served in a quaint breakfast room with a few tables and a fireplace. Hot and cold items are provided and include fresh scones, cereals, fruit, smoked salmon, and a full Irish breakfast option. Parking and hotel-wide Wi-Fi are free.