Hotel review: A prime location in Kinsale with some very fine views

Just a little shy of excellent, this classic townhouse hotel makes for a fine and potentially great value Kinsale stay

Formerly the home of Kinsale’s Munster & Leinster Bank, this now landmark townhouse hotel first opened to guests in 1995

Old Bank Townhouse, Kinsale

Our rating: 8.5/10

Location

Formerly the home of Kinsale’s Munster & Leinster Bank, this now landmark townhouse hotel first opened to guests in 1995 and has been part of the town’s high-profile Blue Haven Collection since 2006. Given this well-heeled heritage, the Georgian property occupies a prime location along Pearse St, sitting at the pulse of one of Cork’s most scenic towns. All this centrality may result in a little hustle and bustle through those sash windows (mine was minimal) but consider such moments a fair trade-off for the very fine views.

The Old Bank Townhouse doesn’t offer a restaurant for evening dining, but guests to this food-lovers’ haven are within wandering distance of many fine restaurants and gastropubs, while dining packages are available for Michelin-recognised Rare located just a few yards away at the Blue Haven Hotel itself.

9/10

Style and design

From first glance, the five-storey property, with its slate shingle facade (a feature of many Kinsale houses), strikes a classic, characterful look. A front entrance awning flanked with the Tricolour and Stars and Stripes adds a little hospitality colour too. Steps lead up to a charming entrance hall; wonderfully old-school terracotta floor tiles plus a blue-carpeted staircase lend a traditional feel, while chandelier lighting, gilded mirrors and a profusion of fresh flowers bring a splash of elegance. There are some signs of weathering around the property — corridors and stairwells are a weak link in the aesthetic (there is a lift to spare you the steps, incidentally) — but on the whole it’s quite a charming, historic spot.

8/10

Service

I’m warmly welcomed by receptionist Jude in a smart reception room with seating, just off the first floor. General manager Sabina Healy is also on duty, and both give the impression that this is a well-run operation. Given the lack of amenities (see below), interactions elsewhere are minimal, but check-out with Marita the next morning is equally pleasant and breakfast staff are attentive and professional, especially the host on duty.

9/10

Guest rooms

Given its years, rooms at the Old Bank come in various shapes, sizes, and aspects. I stayed in a deluxe king room on the third floor with views overlooking the harbour and town. It’s a very fine room (and offers great value, especially midweek), featuring high ceilings, an original fireplace, a sleigh bed, and antique furnishings all framed by ornate cornicing. The smart en suite is more contemporary and seems recently refurbed — it’s a pity a mini tub couldn’t be tucked in but it features a fine shower. I also had a peek at an entry-level classic room, and though the bathroom here is a weaker point, the room itself retains plenty of character.

8/10

In-room perks

There’s a very decent in-room offering with a Nespresso machine, Lyons Tea, and still and sparkling Ballygowan water is provided. Bathroom products from the Irish Handmade Soap Company are always a welcome sight. Chocs by Cocoa Atelier are a nice addition at this price point too.

8.5/10

On the menu

I dined at Rare, where I was treated to chef Meeran Manzoor’s evening tasting menu (€125). It’s a fine, cinematic setting with open plan kitchen with beautifully imagined and constructed dishes, inspired by local produce, French techniques and the flavours of Manzoor’s native Kerala — seared Skeaghanore duck topped with lavender, chilli and hot honey, and dappled with cherry blossom leaves, is served with wild garlic and confit mushroom keema (like a curry bolognese) and potato espuma. A wonderful dining experience and highly recommended for any lover of aromatic Indian cuisine.

Breakfast at Old Bank’s Townhouse Café was also a highlight. Speciality coffee, fruit salad, freshly squeezed orange juice are all offered amid a selection of hot dishes from French toast to eggs Florentine. I chose a generous free-range omelette with spinach. The fact that the café is open to the public gives the spot a buzzy, brunchy feel and tops many a conventional hotel breakfast experience across the board.

9/10

Activities and amenities

There are no leisure amenities onsite, and no communal lounge for guests who wish to relax indoors. However, neighbour and sister-property, The Blue Haven, offers live music seven nights a week.

6/10

The bill

B&B for two from €156.

Room to Improve? Some of my bedroom furniture was slightly scuffed, and new carpets in particular could elevate the splendour of the room.

Accessibility? No.

Family-friendly? Yes, though families may be more inclined to book The Blue Haven.

Dog-friendly? Service dogs welcome.

EV chargers? Only street and public parking is available. EV chargers are located at SuperValu.

• Old Bank Townhouse, Kinsale, Co. Cork. oldbankhousekinsale.com

The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Old Bank Townhouse.