A perfect location in a beautiful, cute Irish town. Jimmy is the best host and met us with smiles and information and great breakfasts. The inn is lovingly cared for, our room was large, the included wifi is important. Would love to visit again!!!
First of all, Kinsale, is breath taking! It is the place where my husband and I WANT to buy a holiday home now...when? I do not know. But I do know it will be somewhere close to Jimmie so we can hang out, talk, listen to music, and eat :) His place is beautiful! Filled with intense antiques and stately doors! He is just the perfect host. Place clean, food was killer, and the town was just beautiful. I would say if you are in Kinsale...stay with with Jimmie!
We landed in Dublin at 5:30 a.m. on a Saturday and after several stops made it to Kinsale about 5:00. After a very frustrating half hour of searching, we finally stumbled into the San Antonio. Jimmie was out, but we were allowed in and were shown to our room, third floor with a good view toward the harbor. After an early dinner and quick look around town, we fell into bed early. The next morning, my wife was not fully recovered from the long flight and long day, and was not very happy, though she hid it well. We went downstairs for breakfast and met Jimmie, and the day turned around completely. Jimmie's soft-spoken voice, smiling face, and gracious manner really won us over. What could have been a very long second day was quickly transformed into a great start. Further, the breakfast we were served was outstanding. Jimmie offered me the full Irish breakfast, and when I hesitated, he said maybe not the black pudding but that he would give me a bit of the white pudding because it is "less sinister." Wonderful choice of words. We stayed two nights at the San Antonio and had a great time. We had parked the car in the lot (suggestion: when you arrive, back into the space) and didn't move it until we left. We walked everywhere, even out to Charles Fort, about 4 miles round trip, but it was a beautiful walk, not very taxing, and well worth the trip. As we were leaving, Jimmie made the extra effort to come outside and say good-bye to both of us. I don't know if we will have the opportunity to return to Kinsale, but if we do, the San Antonio will be at the top of the list of places to stay.
My husband had a medical emergency shortly after we arrived in Kinsale. We couldn't have coped with this without Jimmie and Noreen's support and assistance--making phone calls, providing snacks for the road, and arranging a taxi for a sudden trip to the hospital in Cork. Although we didn't have a chance to see much of Kinsale, we hope to return and will definitely stay at the San Antonio again.
Everything about the San Antonio was perfect! Jimmie is incredibly welcoming and he provides great information about Kinsale's restaurants, pubs and even where to find live music. His recommendations were spot on! The rooms are funky but very cozy and comfortable, but my husband and I prefer to choose affordable stays so that we can experience more in the area (we like good food) so skip the San Antonio if you are looking for more time spent in your room. Jimmie makes a fantastic breakfast that begins with porridge (oatmeal) and a full Irish breakfast is included. Very tasty. I will be recommending the San Antonio B&B and Kinsale to anyone I know that is planning a trip to SouthWestern Ireland. A few more things...great location, not even a three minute walk from most pubs and restaurants...Jimmie has parking available, but if that is full, there is a large free parking lot not even two minutes from the B&B.
