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Desmond House Kinsale is a lovely old Georgian house in the center of the old part of Kinsale. Huge bedrooms and full bathrooms including whirlpool tubs. Park your car and walk to the award winning restaurants. Only 4 bedrooms so personal attention of knowledgeable owners is available to help with enjoying your stay. Desmond House Kinsale is a great place to stay.
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HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Desmond House 42 Cork Street, Kinsale Ireland
Desmond House Kinsale
777 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Desmond House Kinsale emerges as a treasured gem in guest reviews, celebrated for its sumptuous homemade breakfasts and its tranquil yet central location, perfect for exploring Kinsale on foot. The spacious, tastefully appointed rooms with a touch of luxury are consistently lauded, as is the establishment's spotless presentation.
Visitors often remark on the warm hospitality and the personal touches that contribute to the B&B's charming and inviting atmosphere, solidifying its reputation as an exceptional value with meticulous attention to detail.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Exceptional
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Warm
Amenities
Outstanding
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I can't recommend this place enough, it was absolutely perfect. The host, Grainne, was so sweet, helpful and kind. She somehow remembered everyone's names at breakfast (which was absolutely delicious) but also created the friendliest atmosphere among the guest by introducing each of us to one another. She also left drinks and freshly baked brownies outside of the rooms for guests to enjoy at any time. The room we stayed in was perfect, it was clean, comfortable, spacious and unique. The location also can't be beat as it's a 2 minute walk down the hill to the restaurants and pubs. I highly recommend staying here the next time you're in town!
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Date of stay: March 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nestled at the back of the town but only minutes walk from the centre is Desmond House. It's owned/managed by Gráinne and Paddy who know all about the hundred thousand welcomes and indeed that's what we felt when we knocked on the door on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
We chose the James Fort Suite which is on the third (?) floor and it is spacious with a huge double bed and a single at the other side of the room for a third guest. The house is 18th century so don't expect a lift (elevator)
The bathroom is spacious with a good shower and all is spotlessly clean. Tea coffee facilities in the room with fresh milk in a little fridge, and homemade cake not far away. Wallmounted TV with very good reception.
It's a very quiet street so a great nights rest is guaranteed. Breakfast in the morning is delicious with juices, youghurt, Gráinne's brown bread and cooked to order breakfast (compliments of Paddy) all served to the table and washed down with unlimited tea/coffee.
Local farms provide eggs, butter, milk and vegetables.
They are passionate about what they do and it shines through at Desmond House.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â James Fort Suite at top of house is spacious and has room for three
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This was such a wonderful experience. Grainne and Paddy were exceptional hosts. We stated in the Charles Fort Suite, which was lovely on all levels. The room was large andbeautifully decorated. We really enjoyed the fantastic breadfast, which included scones without sugar, which were delicious and the rest of the breakfast was also delicious and healthy. Many choices. We also liked that they furnished spring water in the room as much as you would like. I would definitely stay again. We were there 4 nights and would have loved to be there longer.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Service
Room Tip:Â Charles Fort Suite
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a MUST STAY if you travel to Kinsale. The proprietors Paddy and Grainne are a lovely, friendly couple who really know how to make a B&B both comfortable and impressive. The 260 year old building is immaculate and furnished with very comfortable but historic decor. Pahcan be tricky as they don't have any specific for the B&B, but Grianne immediately helped us secure a spot when the usual ones they refer guests to were taken. There are many wonderful restaurants and pups nearby (I suggest making advance reservations if traveling during the tourist season) and they will also give you their own suggestions if asked. The bedrooms are very spacious and there are no noise issues from other rooms in the house. Breakfast is spectacular. We wished we had booked more nights here as it was our favorite location and housing during a 2 week tour of Ireland. We will most definitely come back to stay here again.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â No bad rooms but some do face a street if that might bother you
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grainne, the owner of Desmond House, was an excellent hostess. The fresh food she prepared each morning was a great way to start the day. The rooms were very comfortable and neat (stick with a 2nd floor room as its easier to get the luggage to them.) Many of her neighbors who own houses up and down the street, were once visitors at Desmond House, which speaks very highly of her hospitality.
From Desmond House it was only a very short walk to the main attractions and restaurants in Kinsale. Kinsale's reputation as a "foodie" and artist town is well deserved. It quickly became one my favorite cities in Ireland.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Second Floor is easier to access.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Grainne and Paddy’s! They were warm, welcoming and full of knowledge about the history and things to do in the area. Located on a quiet street in close walking distance of the main harbor center with the restaurants, pubs, shops, etc. Our huge room was comfortable, quiet, with a view of the harbor. And, with what appeared to be a newly renovated bathroom. Impeccably clean. The wide staircase to our rooms was beautifully lined with art and photos. Their home cooked comprehensive breakfast was extra special in a charmingly set dining room. Delicious fruit compote and homemade granola with yogurt to start, then a yummy homemade scone, large omelette, juices and fragrant teas/coffee. We appreciate how they use glass water bottles in the rooms (no plastic) and use only washable cutlery, etc. for an environmentally friendly home. Thank you, Grainne and Paddy, we definitely want to return to stay longer!
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Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â On arrival, the small free parking area across from church was full, so we parked on Friar St....
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perfectly situated to walk to everything in town. Quiet location, very elaborately furnished rooms very large with a great Nespresso coffee maker included. Bathroom was the most modern and cleanest of our trip. Breakfast was phenomenal. The owners were super great conversationalists and very helpful with local knowledge. Although parking can be difficult, as it is in every old Irish city, the owners sorted out that issue for us too and secured parking for our rental car in a local private spot just a few paces away from the house. They really thought of everything when it came to making our stay enjoyable. We look for to returning. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don’t waste your time staying anywhere else in Kinsale. Hosts Grainne and Paddy were very engaging and run an exceptional guest house complete with the best breakfast we had our entire 3 weeks in Ireland! We were there celebrating our 32 anniversary and Grainne made our dinner reservation for us which was very handy. The house itself is gorgeous and our room was roomy, immaculate and very comfy. The en-suite was huge and the shower pressure great which is important after a long day of sightseeing. Thanks for a lovely time Grainne and Paddy!
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Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: There are four rooms…all delightful…you can’t go wrong!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I toured around Ireland for our honeymoon, and staying at the Desmond House was truly the highlight of our trip. Grainne and Paddy treated us like family and went above and beyond to make sure that we were comfortable and well-fed! Every morning was met with freshly baked scones and bread in addition to many other lovely Irish delights, courtesy of Grainne's wonderful cooking. We stayed in the Charles Fort Suite which had a large comfortable bed, large bathroom, and a spectacular view of Kinsale. The rooms are also very quiet and soundproof. When my husband and I went out to explore the town (which is utterly picturesque), everyone spoke so highly of Grainne and Paddy, which is just more proof that they are both beautiful souls. It was a privilege to stay at Desmond House and we hope to return someday!
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Stunning Property Huge Bedroom and very spacious bathroom A delicious breakfast with homemade bread/scones - fresh cows milk from the local farmer Parking available across the road All Restaurants and bars within 5 mins of walking distance Entertainment on your doorstep Home away from Home experience Wifi Spotless The 'Georgian decor ' flows through the whole house.
Grainne and Pat were fantastic. Their attention to detail from when we arrived was outstanding. Very friendly and so helpful in every way.
I will definitely be back.
Anna & Pat
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Call and chat to hosts Grainne and Pat as extremely Helpful
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Kinsale area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
desmond house kinsale hotel kinsale
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of MunsterCounty CorkKinsale
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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