If you’re in search of the best hotels in Kinsale, you’ve landed in the right place.
There’s so many things to do in Kinsale that it really is worth spending at least a few nights in this vibrant little town.
You can walk, visit beaches and explore the area around Kinsale by day, and whittle away the nights in the many restaurants in Kinsale.
In our Kinsale hotels guide below, you’ll find everything from luxury accommodation to places to stay in Kinsale that hopefully won’t break the bank.
The best hotels in Kinsale (our favourites)
Photos via Booking.com
Over the years we’ve spent many a holiday or long weekend enjoying the buzz in Kinsale, and after trying a few different places, we’ve found our favourites amongst the many Kinsale hotels.
The first section of the guide contains our favourite hotels in Kinsale. Note: if you book via one of the links below we may a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.
1. Trident Hotel Kinsale
Photos via Booking.com
The Trident is one of the better-know of the many Kinsale hotels and it’s a great choice for a special occasion or if you feel like spoiling yourself a little.
Situated on the waterfront, you can be sure of spectacular views over the marina, while a host of things to see and do are just a short walk away.
The hotel offers a selection of rooms, ranging from executive suites to standard doubles. Many have a balcony, and the facilities are top-notch.
The onsite bar, restaurant, and coffee shop provide exquisite food and drinks, and the breakfast that’s on offer is the best way to start your day.
Check prices + see more photos here
2. Actons Hotel Kinsale
Photos via Booking.com
Situated in a beautiful period building with landscaped gardens, Actons Hotel is brimming with charm and is a popular wedding destination.
The rooms are spectacular, offering cosy furnishings and all the modern facilities you’d expect, from WiFi and satellite TV, to en suite bathrooms and a coffee machine.
The onsite health centre includes a sauna, hot tubs, and a gym, with both group and private fitness classes. It’s also one of the few Kinsale hotels with a swimming pool.
There’s also a stunning restaurant that offers a spectacular breakfast, cooked to order or continental style, lunch, and dinner, plus a rustic bar, and ample outdoor seating.
Check prices + see more photos here
Other great Kinsale hotels and accommodation with A+ review scores
Photos via Booking.com
Personal favourites aside, there are plenty of other great hotels in Kinsale and other types of accommodation in Kinsale.
Below, you’ll find some other excellent hotels in Kinsale along with some guesthouses and townhouses that pack a mighty punch.
1. Kinsale Hotel & Spa
Photos via Booking.com
Next up is one of the few Kinsale hotels in this guide that are located slightly outside of the main town (10-minute drive).
The Kinsale Hotel and Spa is situated within 90-acres of woodland and gardens, offering supreme tranquility. It oozes class from the moment you drive up, with beautiful architecture, spectacular decor, luxurious lounges, and cosy rooms.
You’ll find a wide array of rooms available, from executive double suites to family rooms, many of which offer sea-views over Oysterhaven Bay.
The spa and wellness centre adds to the sense of tranquility, featuring a sauna and steam room, indoor swimming pool, gym, and a wealth of treatments and services.
This is one of the best hotels in Kinsale if you’re looking for a great location that’s away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Check prices + see more photos here
2. The K Kinsale
Photos via Booking.com
The K is arguably the most unique of the many Kinsale hotels on offer. This is a stunning little boutique hotel that is packed full of character, inside and out.
The old Tudor house seems to have been transplanted from the pages of history books, while inside you’ll find quirky art from around the world, and stylish decor.
A welcoming lounge is a great place to relax, complete with an open fireplace and grand piano. The rooms all offer excellent amenities too, with en suite bathrooms, a flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and top quality Egyptian cotton linens.
They don’t offer breakfast, but the central location ensures that you’re never far from a great place to grab a bite to eat.
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3. Long Quay House
Photos via Booking.com
Next up is a guesthouse that could easily go toe-to-toe with the best hotels in Kinsale. With an excellent, waterfront location in the center of Kinsale, Long Quay House is a fantastic 4-star guesthouse.
They offer a range of rooms and suites, many of which offer sea views, all with en suite bathrooms, free WiFi, sitting area and TV, and comfy bedding. The rooms are cosy and unpretentious, with plenty of storage space and a desk in each — ideal for a working holiday.
Walking distance from an array of attractions, including Charles Fort and Desmond Castle, as well as some of the best restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Kinsale, it’s ideally located.
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4. The Old Bank Town House
Photos via Booking.com
This old Georgian townhouse is located slap-bang in the centre of Kinsale, and is a great choice for a stay in the town.
There are numerous rooms to choose from, including, doubles, twins, singles, and suites, all en suite, with a wealth of amenities, such as coffee machines, TV, and free WiFi. Each is individually decorated and full of charm.
There’s also a gourmet food store on site, as well as a stylish cafe, which serves up a great cup of coffee. They also offer amazing home baked goods, as well as daily food specials and takeaway lunches.
Check prices + see more photos here
Townhouses that are just as mighty as any of the hotels Kinsale has to offer
Photos via The Old Dispensary
If you’re looking for something a little more personal than a hotel, there are tons of fantastic townhouses and B&Bs in Kinsale available in the area.
Many of the townhouses that you’ll find below offer accommodation that’d rival the fanciest of the Kinsale hotels that we’ve mentioned previously.
1. Giles Norman Gallery & Townhouse
Photos via Booking.com
Sleek and stylish, you wouldn’t expect anything less from this superb townhouse. Giles Norman is one of Ireland’s leading landscape photographers, and the townhouse is an extension of his gallery and studio.
Offering luxury accommodation in Kinsale, each room has been curated by Giles, with exhibits of his own work adorning the walls.
Expect comfortable, spacious rooms with en suite bathrooms, sea views, and quality bedding, along with an array of amenities.
Check prices + see more photos here
2. Perryville House (one of our favourite places to stay in Kinsale)
Photos via Booking.com
Offering a blend of old-fashioned charm with modern luxuries, Perryville House is all about the atmosphere.
You can expect a warm welcome and great service throughout your stay, while the decor varies from the grandiose elegance of yesteryear, to a sleek and practical modern style. Located just feet from the Marina, it’s ideally placed to explore the town and enjoy the views.
There are a number of suites and rooms available, each offering fantastic amenities, comfortable beds, and elegant bathrooms.
The breakfast is renowned, and you can choose from a full Irish, buffet, or continental breakfast. It’s a great way to start the day, but it’s worth noting that they don’t serve lunch or dinner.
Check prices + see more photos here
3. Curragh House Lodges
Photos via Booking.com
For something a little different head over to Curragh House Lodges. Lovingly restored and modernized, the buildings feature wooden beams and traditional stonework.
The three lodges each house 2 guests, and are located on Curragh House Farm. They’re self-catered with a fully stocked kitchen, and you’ll find breakfast packs provided upon arrival.
Each self-contained lodge features all the modern amenities you need, as well as exquisite beds and comfy sitting areas, complete with TV and free WiFi.
Located in Riverwick, it’s around 11 km from Kinsale town centre, and is an ideal choice for a tranquil, romantic getaway, or a base for exploring Cork.
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4. Friar’s Lodge
Photos via Friar’s Lodge
Quaint and centrally located, Friar’s Lodge is a great choice for a stay in Kinsale, offering lower prices than much of the competition, while maintaining high standards.
The rooms are huge, with wonderfully comfy beds, seating areas, desks, coffee machines, and private bathrooms.
Best of all is the breakfast, an amazingly hearty full Irish or alternatively, go for the buffet — both are superb. The staff and hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful, and will go out of their way to ensure you’re comfortable and happy.
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5. Saraye — The Lodge
Photos via Booking.com
If you’re looking to book an entire self-catered apartment and you don’t fancy trying any of the Airbnbs in Kinsale, Saraye is a great option.
They offer two apartments, each with 2 double bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, a terrace, free WiFi, great bathrooms, and cosy living rooms.
Meanwhile, the location is fantastic for exploring the town. It’s just 150 metres from the centre of Kinsale, and a stone’s throw from the beach and a wealth of attractions.
Check prices + see more photos here
6. The Old Dispensary
Photos via The Old Dispensary
The Old Dispensary is a beautifully restored old townhouse in the centre of Kinsale. There are a number of different rooms and self-contained apartments to choose from.
Some of the rooms and apartments come complete with a wonderful fireplace, and all are decorated and fitted to a high standard.
A stunning location keeps you close to all that Kinsale has to offer, with the starting point for the Scilly Walk a handy 12-minute walk away and the Old Head of Kinsale Walk a short 15-minute drive.
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FAQs about the best hotels in Kinsale
Since publishing our guide to the best Cork attractions many years ago, we’ve had questions asking everything from what are the best hotels in Kinsale for a special occasion to which ones have a pool.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
What are the best hotels in Kinsale?
Trident Hotel Kinsale. Actons Hotel Kinsale. Kinsale Hotel & Spa. The K Kinsale.
What Kinsale hotels have a swimming pool?
Kinsale Hotel & Spa and Actons are town Kinsale hotels with a swimming pool located inside the property.
What are the best places to stay in Kinsale if you’re visiting for the first time?
You really can’t go wrong with any of the places mentioned above. However, if you’re looking for alternative Kinsale accommodation options, just look for places located in the town itself. That way you won’t have to worry about taxis or any of that craic.
Andy was once on a glorious worldwide trip on his equally glorious motorcycle. After 4 years, he’d still only made it as far as Eastern Europe, before falling in love with his surroundings and deciding to settle down a while. Nowadays, he spends his time writing about traveling through the places he once explored, normally while sipping a pint.