Actons Hotel Kinsale

The Actons is the oldest hotel in Kinsdale. It served as the home of a famous business family in the late 19th century until it was turned into a hotel in 1946. After extensive renovations, the property reopened in 2013 with fresh coats of paint, upgraded amenities, and refurbished rooms and bathrooms. A long cobblestone path leads from the street that runs along the harbor to the grey-and-white, four-story building that houses the hotel. The lobby is a large open space featuring a long wooden front desk and a few cozy sitting areas. Decor here is a mix of traditional and contemporary, with checkered carpets in pale purple and brown, and cream-colored sofas and armchairs. Off the lobby is the restaurant, which features harbor views and patio seating for alfresco dining.

The hotel is located right across the street from the harbor, in a busy and tourist-friendly area in Kinsale. There are lots of popular pubs and restaurants nearby, and Desmond Castle is a seven-minute walk away. Some of the area’s top attractions, including Charles and James forts, are within a five-minute drive. The famous Old Head of Kinsale Golf Course is a 20-minute drive away.

The Actons’ 74 rooms feature contemporary decor in a variety of brown hues, and a couple of pops of turquoise. All rooms are equipped with solid amenities, including flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers with rain showerheads -- but some are a little small. Rear-facing rooms overlook a street lined with popular pubs, so light sleepers may want to request a room with harbor views. Two-bedroom suites are a great pick for families. They feature a master room with a double bed, and a smaller room with a twin bed. There are also one-bedroom suites that can fit an extra twin bed. Cots are available upon request.

The hotel offers a wide array of amenities, including a restaurant serving a brasserie menu made with local organic produce; a patio where guests can enjoy a drink from the bar, and a fitness center complete with sauna, steam room, studio for group classes, and treatment rooms. There are also two board rooms and a larger conference room that can fit up to 300 guests. The highlight, however, is probably the indoor pool. It features floor-to-ceiling windows, a whirlpool, a kids’ area with a small jetted pool, and swimming and water fitness classes, both private and for groups. Freebies such as Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and breakfast buffet add value.