2018 Award Winners GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2018

The Old Bank House, Kinsale, Co Cork

The best Irish guesthouses are in a league of their own and have USPs that allow them to thrive regardless of the challenges of being sandwiched between competition from cheap B&Bs on the one hand, and deals offered by mid-range modern hotels with extensive amenities on the other.

A sister property to the much-loved privately-owned and warmly traditional Blue Haven Hotel, just a few doors away, this well-managed boutique guesthouse in the centre of Kinsale is an exceptionally convenient and pleasant place to stay.

Cookies on arrival, King Koil pocket sprung beds, pillow menus, and Nespresso machines in each room are among the details that make guests feel pampered here, and there are plenty more thanks to the hands-on attention of the Manager, Monika Nowak.

Golfers love it - not least for its lift - and, while the rooms vary depending on their position in this fine old building, it has comfortable, spacious bedrooms and lovely bathrooms.

On the ground floor, there's a Gourmet Food Store and Café @ The Old Bank House offering casual daytime food, including a good breakfast featuring local produce, and treats from the in-house bakery, served all day - they really seem to have thought of everything.