10 Best Hotels In Kinsale (+ Map Showing Where To Stay)

The best hotels in Kinsale are, in my opinion, the Trident and Actons.

However, before looking at accommodation, it’s worth considering where to stay in Kinsale area-wise. There are two main options:

• Town centre: Lots of choice and you’re a stroll from pubs and restaurants
• Outside town: Less choice but you’ll have a quiet, more scenic location

Where to stay in Kinsale area map

The map above will get you up-to-speed on the lay-of-the-land nice and quickly. There are three main areas, and each has its pros and cons.

Below, I’ll take you through what I think are the best places to stay in Kinsale, based on many visits!

The best hotels in Kinsale

The map above outlines where the different Kinsale hotels are located along with some other accommodation that is of hotel standard.

Some have on-site parking and swimming pools, others are right in the centre of the action and some are very family-friendly!

1. The Trident Hotel

The Trident is my go-to hotel in the town. It’s in a prime location right next to the harbour a handy 9-minute stroll from the centre of Kinsale Town.

The main reason that I find myself returning here is due to the views. A lot of hotels reserve sea views for their high-end suites, but the classic king at the Trident overlooks the water.

Another reason is the standard of the accommodation. The furnishings and fittings and the general ambiance around the Trident give the place a comfortable, luxurious feel.

And, while there isn’t a pool at the property, you can use the leisure suite in the nearby Actons Hotel (4-minute walk). If you’re looking for luxury hotels in Kinsale a short ramble from the centre of town in a scenic setting, look no further.

2. Actons Hotel

The sister hotel of the Trident, Actons Hotel, is also located right next to the water a handy 5-minute walk from the town centre.

Situated in a beautiful period building with landscaped gardens, Actons is one of the few Kinsale hotels with a swimming pool (there’s also a sauna, hot tub and a gym).

The rooms here are bright, spacious and well appointed and there are classic doubles all the way up to suites.

If you can, spring for the harbour view – it’ll cost you around €40 more than the regular double, but it’s worth the splurge.

You can dine in the restaurant on-site, if you like, or the town’s many eateries are on your doorstep (as are all of the best pubs in Kinsale!).

3. Kinsale Hotel & Spa

If you flick back up to our ‘Where to stay in Kinsale’ map, you’ll see that the Kinsale Hotel and Spa is located outside of the town.

You won’t walk it, but it’s a short, 10-minute drive from the town. The hotel is situated within 90-acres of woodland and gardens, offering a tranquility unmatched by the other Kinsale hotels.

It oozes class from the moment you drive up, with beautiful architecture, spectacular decor, luxurious lounges, and cosy 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 heap of treatments.

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.

4. The White Lady Hotel

The White Lady Hotel is down near the harbour, an 8-minute walk into the centre. However, it’s one street back from the water, so none of the rooms offer sea views.

I’ve recommended this place many times to visiting tourists in recent years because, price-wise, it’s hard to beat, especially considering how central it is.

With just 10 rooms, it’s one of the smaller hotels in Kinsale town centre, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character.

This boutique hotel features well-appointed rooms, a bar built with timber from an old mill that once stood proudly in Kinsale’s harbour, and a jazz bar and restaurant too.

5. Blue Haven Hotel

You won’t find many hotels in Kinsale as central as The Blue Haven. This place is smack-bang-in-the-middle of the town, minutes from everything.

The building dates to the 1800s when it played host to Kinsale’s fish and meat markets.

Accommodation-wise, to my knowledge, this is one of the only Kinsale hotels that offers a single room! There’s also family rooms, king and superior rooms.

There are plenty of dining options here, with ‘Rare’ (offering innovative 5- and 7-course menus) and the outdoor ‘Moët Garden’ as the highlights.

More of the best places to stay in Kinsale

So, as there are many things to do in Kinsale (see map above), along with big events, like the Jazz Festival, accommodation can be hard to come by.

Luckily, there is a strong offering when it comes to high-end town houses and B&Bs in Kinsale, several of which are at a hotel-standard. Below, you’ll find the ones that I have been recommending over the last 7 or so years.

1. Perryville House

Offering a blend of old-fashioned charm with modern luxuries, Perryville House offers very memorable accommodation in Kinsale.

You’ll find it in an enviable position along the Quay overlooking the water, a 3-minute walk into the town centre.

Guests can expect a warm welcome, top-notch service and decor that varies from the grandiose elegance of yesteryear, to a sleek and practical modern style.

There are a number of suites and rooms available, each offering fantastic amenities, comfortable beds, and elegant bathrooms.

2. Giles Norman Townhouse

If you’re unfamiliar with Giles Norman, he is one of Ireland’s leading landscape photographers, and the townhouse is an extension of his gallery and studio.

The townhouse is one street back from the quay a handy 3-minute saunter into the center.

Sleek and stylish, this superb townhouse is one of the most impressive places to stay in Kinsale. Each room is curated by Giles, featuring 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.

3. The Lemon Leaf Townhouse

With its Main Street location, The Lemon Leaf Townhouse boasts some of the most central lodging in Kinsale!

There are ten bedrooms here, ranging from a snug double to a cosy twin. Each room has a minimalist-vibe to it and contains everything you’ll need for a night away.

There’s a very popular cafe bar downstairs, while all of Kinsale’s top restaurants and pubs are nearby.

Start your morning with a very tasty breakfast and then grab a coffee-to-go to accompany the Scilly Walk out to Charles Fort.

4. The K Kinsale

The K is one of the more unique places to stay in Kinsale, as you can probably tell from the photos above.

This is a charming little boutique hotel that’s packed full of character, inside and out.

You’ll find it up a hill (may not suit those with limited mobility) an 8-minute walk from the town centre.

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.

5. The Old Bank Town House

The last of the accommodation in Kinsale in this guide is the brilliant Old Bank Town House, located right in the centre of town.

Offering 17 bedrooms, each of which boasts a contemporary design, the Old Bank provides a luxurious, boutique experience for guests.

Relax in comfortable, opulent rooms, tantalise your tastebuds in the pop-up Indian restaurant or take the short walk into town and explore.

There’s also a popular cafe downstairs where you can enjoy coffees, baked treats and/or lunch.