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Kinsale Hotel & Spa

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Hotel Reviews

Read Reviews (142)
(
4.08/5
) based on
142
reviews.

by Pat on Jul 3 2017 14:27

excellent location
 
 
 
 
 

by Noreen on Nov 7 2016 23:45

Very nice room, friendly staff.
 
 
 
 
 

by Edel on Nov 7 2016 10:57

Had lovely time at the MacDonald, amazing view from our room. Room was very clean a bit tight for 3 beds but we were comfortable. Enjoyed the pool and spa facilities. Breakfast was 5 star. If we can we will return to the MacDonald. Kinsale is a lovely little neighbouring village to visit and Charles Fort was interesting.
 
 
 
 
 

by Catriona on Nov 2 2016 18:56

This is a very nice hotel located a few miles outside the town of Kinsale.The room was very nice, the hotel gardens and the leisure centre were very pleasant. The food in the restaurant was good however the staff in the restaurant though efficient could have been more welcoming, friendlier-there was no sense that they enjoyed their job. The bar area was very quiet with no entertainment provided other than the television. We stayed over October Bank holiday weekend. There was a jazz festival in Kinsale town over the weekend but nothing on in the Mac Donald hotel in the evenings. A bit of entertainment would be nice and would encourage visitors to stay in and spend some money in the hotel in the evenings.
 
 
 
 
 

by CT on Nov 2 2016 11:11

We booked a last minute break to the Macdonald Kinsale hotel over the October bank holiday weekend and really enjoyed our stay, as we have on previous stays there. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The rooms are very nice whether you opt for a bay or garden view. The views and grounds around the hotel are lovely. We really enjoyed the pool and steam room also. There were just a few small negative things: the breakfast could have been hotter and they no longer provide the shuttle bus service which means a taxi fare of approx. €12 into Kinsale However we would definitely stay there again.
 
 
 
 
 

by returnedexile on Nov 1 2016 09:38

Stayed Friday 28th October 2016 for one night. Check in was efficient with smiling receptionist Katie room was lovely with view of bay and a comfy bed and pillows. Next stop was dinner in restaurant 2 course on our deal. Ordered one starter two mains and one dessert. Chowder starter was fine and tasty, two mains were way below standard, my wife who never complains even when its bad felt she had to say something. Her rib eye steak was more than 50% fat and was far from well done as ordered, my lamb was also very fatty I would think it was neck of lamb and could have been cooked more. Redenko the waiter did everything he could to satisfy us but said "the food should not have come out like that" he was totally embarrassed by the inadequacies of the kitchen staff. Kristian, Redenko and the young lady on duty continually asked were we now ok and we were offered one complimentary dessert and coffees to try and make amends. Having finished what we could of our meal we left, I felt that if I could have just got sick I may have felt better, did not eat much on Saturday as a result of how I felt ( no drink involved). We stayed in this hotel last year but did not eat. It is a lovely hotel in a lovely location but who ever Macdonald is, he needs to tighten up the kitchen staff and improve there performance. Given our experience of this hotel I will continue to remember it as one of the worst meals I have eaten world wide and will advise would be guests to stay but do not eat here. There are lots of nice restaurants in Kinsale. Leo Reddy Athlone.
 
 
 
 
 

by reviewer61018056 on Jun 2 2016 10:24

Great Hotel would highly recomend it. Great views, pool etc . Staff very friendly will be back again.
 
 
 
 
 

by Vicki on May 22 2016 11:17

Beautiful hotel on stunning grounds, incredible views. Lovely staff. The only down side was the breakfast. It wasn't great and the room we were in had a rug over big tears in the carpet. I just didn't think that was very nice. Bathroom was lovely.
 
 
 
 
 

by Kevin O' Callaghan on May 21 2016 12:12

Modern hotel , would definitely recommend !
 
 
 
 
 

by Lennie on Apr 2 2016 20:17

My wife and I had a great visit to the Kinsale Carlton McDonalds Hotel We found the staff and facilities to be Excellent Food was Great and we would have no hesitation recommending it for a visit
 
 
 
 
 

by W Van Wijnen on Nov 30 2015 13:06

Very nice hotel set in beautiful surroundings. Friendly staff and great leisure facilities. Will certainly stay again.
 
 
 
 
 

by caroline siboni on Nov 25 2015 17:33

Lovely hotel in a beautiful location.The room was very nice and so were the staff. Lots of choice on the breakfast menu.
 
 
 
 
 

by Pa Des on Nov 12 2015 21:29

My family and I stayed here for a night last weekend. The kids loved the pool and the pool staff were very friendly. The family room was spacious and had smart TV. The bar food was nice and very reasonable in price. The breakfast in the morning was just right
 
 
 
 
 

by Ciara on Nov 5 2015 11:42

Nice hotel. Lovely bedrooms with fantastic views. Very friendly staff. Nice food. The bar is located on the first floor away from reception and lacks a good atmosphere. Could do with relocating the bar to improve the atmosphere. Everything else was very nice.
 
 
 
 
 

by Beth on Apr 22 2015 15:47

Lovely staff. Nice hotel (it could do with some re-upholstery around the hotel). Lovely pool, sauna, steam room, etc. It's a 5min drive from Kinsale but the hotel have a taxi service for €3 per head in and out of town.
 
 
 
 
 

by reviewer38585538 on Jan 14 2015 16:23

We stayed at the Carlton recently and were very pleased with our stay. The staff were very pleasant. The food was excellent. Great value for the price. Was disappointed with the room. For a 5 star rating it was not up to scratch. I did ask for a different room but without success. The hotel was not even full..... It was a pleasant stay but I would not rate it as 5 star. 3 Star in my opinion
 
 
 
 
 

by reviewer47947310 on Jul 7 2014 00:04

Stayed here on a recent work night away. Hotel receptionist was extremely welcoming and pleasant. My room was lovely suited me perfect for what I needed. Location very nice and hotel clean and modern. Only draw back bar on other level felt this could be better located and would get more business from staying guests if situated in the main foyer reception area other than that nice hotel and great value.
 
 
 
 
 

by Noel on Jun 29 2014 22:44

On arrival we received a cold and clinical welcome. The receptionist was just short of saying "computer says no". When I asked for a nice room with a view I was informed that a room with a view of the bay would cost an extra €30 per night. This I paid as the alternative was a view of the car park and we were on our holidays. The room itself was a decent size but needed a good dust and a proper clean. Under one bed was an old orange and under the other was a babies soother. There were two small towels for four of us and the keys did not work. Both of these issues were resolved quickly. When we had settled in we decided to go to the bar/restaurant for a coffee etc. The place wasn't busy but it took twenty minutes from the time we ordered to the time we received our coffee. This was because chatting to each other was more important than serving customers. The tables, seats and floor were all neglected and needed to be cleaned after their previous occupants. The restaurant one the first night was a little chaotic with a distinct lack of managerial presence, for instance we had two different staff take our dinner order , one started and got distracted so another came to continue to take it. When asked for the A La Carte menu we were given one between two of us and finding egg on the cutlery makes the star rating of this hotel highly questionable. However the food was faultless. Breakfast on two of three mornings in the hotel was like a scene from Fawlty Towers, nobody seemed to know how to deal with a breakfast room in a busy hotel. The service was quite frankly non-existent with staff flapping about, sharing the one cloth to clean all tables (passing it from one staff member to the next) and all the while leaving the hot counter with queues of guests waiting to be served. On day two both of our keys failed to work. This in itself was not an issue. The lecture I received from the receptionist on where to keep the key was. When I returned a short while later with the same problem the receptionist gave me another lecture - with no apology or even hint of politeness. On the final morning of our stay we arrived in a different breakfast room, we were greeted and the children were informed they were welcome to order from a separate menu and nothing was an issue. The restaurant was calm, efficient and extremely friendly. It was the first time that we felt like valued customers. The leisure centre and its staff were excellent. The organised mini bus to the town is a great service. This hotel has many positives including location, facilities and good food, however valuing its guests all of the time should be paramount. Guests should never feel that they are an inconvenience to staff who are on the phone, computer or who are chatting amongst themselves.
 
 
 
 
 

by Nessa Smyth on Jun 23 2014 00:28

Stayed 3 nights in a room that was more like a sauna than a bedroom, the air conditioning did not work. Ask each day for something to be done was told that someone would be sent to the room to rectify the matter but no one ever appeared. Staff were less than helpful. Breakfast was poor . Have stayed in hotels with a lower rating but far higher standers than this hotel. Will not be going back. So glad I didn't pay full price.
 
 
 
 
 

by echo59 on Jun 17 2014 07:32

The hotel looked lovely as we arrived. We had to wait 10 minutes for check-in while the receptionist dealt with 2 phone calls. The room was an OK size. We'd asked for a cot for our infant but were given a camp bed instead. This was quickly rectified but the mattress on the cot was badly stained and should be discarded. The room we were in smelt like an old nursing home. The staff were nice. The pool in the leisure centre was under heated, most likely to save money. There were 3 high chairs in the bar/restaurant but only 2 table tops for these chairs. The chairs had no straps, despite having a sign on the chair warning us to strap our child in. The hotel does not deserve a 4-star rating and it is obvious that absolutely no money is being invested in running the hotel.
 
 
 
 
 

by martina on Jun 9 2014 13:44

lovely location, very nice hotel
 
 
 
 
 

by Jolanta Capron on May 23 2014 11:15

Magnificent location, beautiful surroundings Check in was very efficient and friendly. We stayed in the Charles Fort suite which was very spacious, large Jacuzzi bath tub, and a balcony overlooking the fountain. Dinner in the restaurant was of high standard with a large selection of local products (meat, seafood...). Beautiful presentation and tasty dishes. Great service from the restaurant staff. Awesome breakfast with a breath-taking view of the Oysterhaven Bay. We would definitely come back!!! :) Jolanta and Larry Capron
 
 
 
 
 

by tom on May 19 2014 11:08

Beautiful hotel only issue was the TV didn’t work and some bulbs gone, manager offer to move rooms but it was too late housekeeping may be a little lax
 
 
 
 
 

by golfer on May 15 2014 13:51

without any doubt the standard of the bedrooms , bathrooms and the breakfast was the best I have ever experienced and I am not only comparing them to Ireland but also many European capitals. The grounds themselves would take your breath away with the variety of shrubs , trees and wild woodland flowers together with water features. Congratulations to the staff who look after the gardens. I cant wait to re book
 
 
 
 
 

by David Kavanagh on Mar 1 2014 15:43

We spent three nights in the hotel and could find no fault with any part of the operations. Rooms were very clean, staff were all very friendly and helpful, the leisure area was also to a high standard. The resturants at breakfast and dinner was really excellent. In all we had a great time and will return.
 
 
 
 
 

by Mary Cahill on Feb 5 2014 12:34

Four of us had a lovely overnight break here Thursday 30th January. It was a relaxing stay,staff couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful. The room was very comfortable and spotlessly clean. While the two course meal in the bar area is restricted choice wise there is the option to upgrade to the restaurant ( extra cost). As there was a childrens' swimming lesson in progress on Thursday evening, we postponed our visit to the leisure centre until Friday morning but enjoyed ourselves hugely there. We then had a very substantial breakfast with plenty of choice so who could possibly complain for €49?
 
 
 
 
 

by Ali O Mahony on Feb 3 2014 10:22

We thoroughly enjoyed our bargain break at the Carlton Hotel and would definitely return. The pool was full of kids in the afternoon (Thursday ) so we waited until the morning... gorgeous pool, loads of jets and excellent Jacuzzi. Very helpful guy at Pool reception, very welcoming and informative. The meal on Thursday night was really fab, I had a blue cheese and roasted butternut starter followed by a scrumptious salmon and Mussel bake with yummy savoury crumble topping. I had glass of a South African House red which was perfect. We were to full for dessert but the choices were extremely tempting. The rooms were so comfy and immaculately clean. What a fabulous bargain! We have been telling everyone about it since!
 
 
 
 
 

by SJW on Jan 28 2014 12:18

A decent hotel, the room and bathroom were a good size. The breakfast buffet and also the bar food served in the evening were good. Found the staff to be friendly and helpful. Had an issue connecting to the internet for the first 24 hours of our stay but this was eventually resolved. Also found the driveway into the hotel to be a bit difficult. The shuttle bus into Kinsale was helpful but was surprised that there was a charge of 3 euro per person each way. The view from the front of the hotel was fantastic, and although we didn't get to take a walk-the grounds looked lovely.
 
 
 
 
 

by Gavin on Jan 28 2014 11:00

Lovely hotel in a fabulous location. This hotel is set in a perfect location for the summer months. We had a beautiful view from our room. The food was great and the hotel staff were very friendly. The leisure centre is fantastic my 2 kids loved it. we would definitely stay again in the future.
 
 
 
 
 

by alan on Jan 16 2014 22:52

beautifull hotel .perfect food, lovely helpfull staff .. will stay again .......
 
 
 
 
 

by L on Nov 21 2013 16:23

Stayed in the Carlton Hotel for 2 nights recently. We got a really warm welcome upon arrival. Hotel itself is very nice with amazing views. A little out of the centre of the town but there is a very good & reliable shuttle bus system in operation which was great. Food was very nice, breakfast was good too and very little queues. Very nice leisure centre with good size pool, sauna and steam room. Overall, a really nice hotel in a lovely setting.
 
 
 
 
 

by Konrad K. on Oct 25 2013 14:42

Sehr schönes Hotel mit wunderbarer Aussicht - sowohl auf die Bucht als auch in die Parkanlagen. Herrliches Frühstück, super Zimmerservice, toller Pool, sehr bequeme Betten ;)
 
 
 
 
 

by lidl shoppers on Sep 1 2013 17:13

we stayed here for two nights in late August and we found the Hotel to be very nice - if a little bit outside Kinsale - I would say perhaps two miles. The room and the general areas were lovely but unfortunately the breakfast was not really up to "scratch". The bacon, sausages etc seemed to have been cooked a long time before we got there and were hard and difficult to cut - also eggs had been bried and just left to harden in the hot dish. Otherwise everything was good. I & D.
 
 
 
 
 

by Nettie on Aug 19 2013 14:55

Had a fantastic break at the Carlton Hotel would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a break away
 
 
 
 
 

by Anne on Aug 11 2013 12:50

Family break with two children in this wonderful 4 star hotel. There is not many hotels these days that live up to their stars but this hotel did exactly that. Hotel is a bit out of town but the hotel puts a shuttle bus on. Hotel views are truely amazing. Breakfast, dinner and staff all made our trip wonderful.
 
 
 
 
 

by dm on Jul 27 2013 17:42

Excellent value for the price. Beautiful hotel grounds and stunning views from the bedroom window. The bedroom is very large and spacious. The meal was excellent on the first night but average on the second night. Breakfast is average. The leisure facilities are really good.
 
 
 
 
 

by Noor on Jul 22 2013 21:00

We had a comfortable, easy, lovely stay at the carlton...the hotel itself is beautifull and so are the grounds, everything was made easier by the great staff....i'd go back tomorrow if i could.....
 
 
 
 
 

by Jerry Savage on Jul 22 2013 16:26

A bit remote from Kinsale. Difficult to find driving there. There was no night time entertainment. Rooms excellent. A fridge and a safe would be helpful. Grounds excellent. Our Buffet breackfast was not fresh on two mornings.
 
 
 
 
 

by Martina on Jul 21 2013 14:23

beautiful hotel.had a great stay
 
 
 
 
 

by Mary and Maura on Jul 4 2013 17:32

Had two wonderfull nights in this lovely hotel could not find any faults Food was great hotel spotless staff could not be nicer courtessy bus was great Sunshine was the top hat Be back again P.G.
 
 
 
 
 

by karen on Jun 6 2013 11:22

Fantastic Hotel with lovely staff,def recommend it to people. Hope to return soon
 
 
 
 
 

by reviewer26760788 on May 30 2013 23:21

Really enjoyed our night at the Carlton Hotel. Food was excellent, staff were nice and friendly. Would recommend to anyone.
 
 
 
 
 

by reviewer48338794 on May 14 2013 15:50

fab hotel,lovely breakfast.Taxi was dear 12 each way into kinsale
 
 
 
 
 

by reviewer68994401 on May 12 2013 18:35

Lovely hotel and surrounding gardens. The room was not sea view and we had to pay supplement to upgrade to sea view room. This should be specified when booking as I assumed there was no supplement.
 
 
 
 
 

by reviewer55271178 on Apr 5 2013 09:18

Only stayed one night but wished we could have stayed longer. So friendly clean and comfortable will return again soon.
 
 
 
 
 

by ger mc carthy on Mar 20 2013 17:15

lovely hotel and surroundings,the staff and food were excellent
 
 
 
 
 

by kathleen on Feb 28 2013 19:29

lovely hotel, friendly statt, very high standards overall. Very good food, fresh and tasty. lovely breakfast display. leisure facilities and treatments very good also.
 
 
 
 
 

by Gordon on Feb 28 2013 00:18

My wife and I stayed two nights (Friday & Saturday) and really enjoyed the stay. From the moment we arrived the staff were friendly and helpful and this was our experience throughout the two days. Our room was clean and tidy as was the hotel premises overall and the dinner we ate on the Friday evening was very good. There were a couple of small things which, although not enough to spoil the experience, were irritating just the same: It was extremely difficult to flush the toilet in our room. A considerable amount of pressure had to be applied to the button to make it work and, even then, the button had to be fully held down for quite a while. Given the fact that our room, and especially the bathroom was specifically designed to accommodate those with physical disabilities, I would expect all conveniences to be simple to operate. If I found it difficult, despite being able bodied, I am not sure how those less fortunate would cope. Regrettably, my wife and I are both smokers and regularly found ourselves on the terrace area adjoining the restaurant and bar. During our stay there were never any ashtrays to stub out our cigarettes. To avoid littering the ground, this resulted in us disposing of our used cigarettes in the large plant pot on the terrace. Judging by the number of butts previously discarded by others, ashtrays are always a scarce commodity here. The negative comments above were far outweighed by the good points the hotel has to offer. We would certainly consider staying again in the future and will be happy to recommend the hotel to our friends and family.
 
 
 
 
 

by Siobhan McCarthy on Feb 3 2013 10:52

30/1-1/2 : our stay was fantastic. We opted for the d/bb offer. Everything From our arrival at reception to our departure the following morning was top notch. The room was lovely, warm and cosy with a beautiful view. Leisure centre/pool was great we really relaxed and enjoyed the health suite (no extra charge). We had a beautiful dinner in the restaurant, presentation of dishes was like fine dining and all delicious. The service was excellent and our waitress was friendly and helpful. Kinsale town is close by just a short drive and lovely for a browse around the shops. There are fantastic scenic walks nearby also. Overall a great place for a break away. We would definitely recommend The Carlton Kinsale to friends & family!
 
 
 
 
 

by Dee on Jan 31 2013 21:22

Lovely stay in Carlton Kinsale, great setting, very relaxing. Staff extremely friendly. Food is really good. Loved the Sunday afternoon carvery with jazz band in the bar. Deirdre.
 
 
 
 
 
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Hotel Details

The Mac Donald Hotel Kinsale is on 90 acres of mature wooded parkland with panoramic views overlooking Oysterhaven Bay, we are committed to providing the highest standards in service.  

Check In From - 3:30 pm : Check Out Up To - 11:30 am

Cancellation Description : Once you cancel your booking up to 48 hours prior to arrival you will not incur a cancellation fee from the hotel. Cancellations that are made within 48 hours prior to arrival and no shows at the hotel will be charged the 1st night of the stay to your card. Please note that your booking deposit is non refundable.

Travel Description : Directions from Kinsale Town Centre to the Hotel Kinsale: Distance: 3 miles, start out at Kinsale, Cork, continue forward onto Long Quay - R600, past the Post Office, continue forward past the Texaco station. At the turn off for Charles Fort, signified by a boat on the crossing, take a right, continue straight along this road for 1.5 miles, past the rugby club, the Carlton Hotel Kinsale is on the left hand side.

Area Description : The town of Kinsale is widely regarded as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland and is famous for its majestic harbour location, gourmet restaurants, superb golf courses, including the Old Head Golf Links, narrow winding streets and historical attractions.  Kinsale is the most picturesque town in the South West of Ireland with one of the only remaining 17th Century star shaped forts in Europe.

Hotel Location
Hotel Facilities

Hotel Guest Services

  • 24 hour room service
  • Wifi access in public areas
  • Non smoking hotel
  • Internet access
  • Breakfast served to your room
  • Concierge
  • Laundry facility
  • Ironing service
  • Baby sitting on request
  • Wifi access at a charge
  • Free car parking

Hotel Children Facilities

  • Kids activities during high season
  • Cot available on request
  • Swimming lessons (by appointment)
  • Baby sitting service on request

Hotel Venue Entertainment

  • Wedding fair
  • Music venue for concerts
  • Theatre for shows & plays
  • Banqueting rooms available
  • Christmas parties

Hotel Bar

  • Bar food menu
  • Sky sports available in bar
  • Fully licenced Bar

Things To Do In The Area

  • Night clubs
  • Shopping
  • Boat trips
  • Museums
  • Horse riding
  • Go to the beach
  • Live music venues
  • Local sightseeing
  • Golfing
  • Visit local heritage sites
  • Guided tours
  • Historical trails
  • Sea fishing
  • Surfing
  • Cycling
  • Walking trails
  • Paint ball

Hotel Business Centre

  • Fax
  • Meeting rooms

Hotel Restaurant

  • Dinner served
  • Breakfast served
  • Lunch served
  • Vegetarian options

Hotel Leisure Club

  • Fully equipped gym
  • Steam room
  • Towels available
  • Children's pool
  • Swimwear to buy
  • Spa treatments
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Beauty salon
  • Sauna
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