The Chart House: House Rental, 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4 in Kinsale

We have just come back from a 4 night stay in the lovely Chart House. We absolutely cannot fault it. There is everything you need from cake tins to corkscrew, hairdryers in each room to extra blankets. Very well equipped kitchen. Nice sized fridge freezer too should you need it. Lovely big towels in the bathroom. The bedrooms had amazing views over the harbour where you can watch (somewhat enviously) the boats and yachts sail off for the day. The sitting room was well stocked with books and lots of tourist info. I loved the total peace and quiet of the place. The Spaniard pub is literally 30 seconds walk from door to door and has a very cosy atmosphere. Although they had live music one night we could barely hear it from the house. Walk out of the back door and you can immediately find yourself on a walk running along side the harbour. Beautiful. Kinsale is a lovey little town and only about 10 mins walk. Mark has timed this and told us 7 minutes there, 8 back. He is right! Lots of lovely little cafes and bars. Best Irish stew was in the White Lady. I wouldn't be surprised if I returned to Kinsale and I would have no hesitation in booking The Chart House again. Thanks Mark and Dianne.

This is a fabulous holiday cottage, in an exceptional location - the view overlooking Kinsale is wonderful (when its not raining!). It is also easy to walk into town (5 - 10 minutes).

The cottage is well designed and not overlooked, despite the close proximity of other houses. Our children particularly enjoyed playing in the garden area.

I would not recommend the house for those with mobility problems; but only because of the location at the top of a steep hill.

The only slight quible is that the decor could do with a bit of sprucing up; but the cottage was, nevertheless, clean and tidy and there are plenty of utensils in the kitchen.

As for Kinsale itself, it is a charming town, and fully deserves its reputation as "foodie" heaven. I would recommend The Spaniard (which is opposite the cottage); Man Friday (which is also close by and has wonderful views of the harbour) and The Bulman (a 5 minute drive away).

There are a number of lovely coffee shops in the town, and here I would recommend Jo's (great coffee and superb home-made cakes) and Zizzy (down by the harbour-side).

If you want to cater for yourself, there are a number of good butchers, grocers and fishmongers in the town; as well as a small, but fairly well-stocked, Supervalu. Larger supermarkets are a short drive away.

I would recommend visiting Charles Fort (just outside the town), Cobh (to visit the Queenstown story) and, for the kids, Fota Wild-life Park (meerkats included).

All-in-all we had a wonderful time in Kinsale and Co Cork as a whole; and would have no hesitation in recommending The Chart House.

Kinsale is a beautiful part of Ireland and everything they say about it is true, especially the food at Fishy Fishy and Man Friday! Staying here is the best way to experience Kinsale. A house with the loveliest views over the harbour, within easy walking of the town itself and with nice walks around it. The house is beautifully decorated, very comfortable and private and is kitted out with everything you need to a very high standard. The owners are very kind and friendly and if the property is not available at the time you want? Change your holiday dates!!! You wont regret it.