This blocky, zinc-and-wood fronted waterside hotel enjoys the best location in Kinsale town and, under the watchful management of Hal McElroy, has long been a well-run, hospitable and comfortable place to stay.
The open-fronted U-shaped design makes best possible use of the site, so that both the public areas and all guest rooms have harbour views.
A revamp of the whole property has recently been completed and the excellent accommodation options now range from Superior rooms (relatively small but still generous by most standards, and shower-only - no bath), to the very popular Executive rooms (30 in all, ten on each floor), Family rooms (very spacious, with a large-sofa bed), Signature Suites, and a magnificently situated Bridal Suite on the top floor, with an exclusive balcony. All have good in-room amenities and are very comfortably furnished and beautifully decorated in restful colours - softly nautical blues and reds - which are smart yet allow the view to take centre stage.
The food has always been good at the Trident and it's an especially welcome destination in winter, when many of the smaller restaurants are closed. Dining options include Pier One restaurant, on the first floor with views over the harbour, which makes an exceptionally pleasant place to enjoy a good breakfast (probably including a fresh local fish option), and the genuinely pubby Wharf Tavern which is where most of the main meals are served - and it is also one of the town’s most popular meeting places. Designed by local yacht designer, Rob Jacob, this atmospheric bar is reminiscent of an old sailing ship and, when the weather allows, the waterside Foredeck Bar offers outdoor seating and splendid views of the harbour and estuary.
Menus offer something for everyone, and the impressive selection of local suppliers credited includes Riverview Eggs, Quigley Meats, John Barrett butcher, Shannonvale, Clona and Sean Bohan, Matt O’Connell, Haven Shellfish, Horizon Farms, Pallas Green and Allfresh.
A sharing plate of West Cork Charcuterie (including Gubbeen chorizo) is a highlight among the starters, and there's plenty of fish, of course, as well as top quality local meats. Prices are very fair (mainly in the €13 - €25 range in the evening), and the drinks list includes local beers and cider as well as a varied choice of world wines. The evening and daytime menus overlap quite a lot, but daytime choices also include a speciality sandwich selection which is very popular at lunch time.
* Nearby Actons Hotel is in common ownership and guests have use of its excellent leisure facilities.
