Kinsale Hotel & Spa

I had my wedding here 26th October this year and my wedding coordinator Karolina was absolutely incredible!! Made the experience so enjoyable and the details she went to with designing the rooms were just amazing I could not of asked for better. She is so calming and a beautiful personality!! The venue itself is amazing, views are beautiful and the staff go above and beyond for you. John drove me and my bridal party from the apartments to the venue and he went above and beyond also to do whatever was needed for us. Cannot speak more highly of John what a gentleman!
If you are considering Kinsale Hotel & Spa I say go for it!!! Nothing to fault.
Jackie & Aaron x

We got married at Kinsale Hotel and Spa on the 17th of August, outdoors on the terrace with the beautiful oyster haven backdrop and the day could not have gone any better. Both Paul, John and their teams played a blinder! From the moment we arrived, it was all about keeping us stress-free while keeping the wheels turning, we did a first look in Charlesfort, John closed off all the double doors on our floor so they could sneak me out the side exit without my guests seeing me and when we realized we forgot to bring the flowers, Paul was on it, retrieved them and got them out to me in the car without guests spotting me! Dinner service was immaculate and ran so smoothly that you hardly even knew it was happening, All the staff, including bar and kitchen, absolutely brought their A-game. We stayed another 2 nights after the wedding and the level of professionalism never dipped. It's an amazing hotel with amazing views but most importantly, with amazing staff. A special shout out to Mary also who kept us hydrated throughout the meal! :-)

Kinsale hotel and spa were extremely helpful especially wedding coordinators Natasha and Sandra

We had our reception here on the 9th of September 2022, we always wanted our wedding in Kinsale, when we found this venue I knew immediately we had to get married here. We picked the hotel for the stunning grounds and views, but we could never have imagined how amazing the staff and hotel would be both in the lead up and on the day.
From start to finish the hotel was faultless, Natasha kept in touch regularly beforehand and put our minds at ease with any queries we had. Ronan treated us like old friends as did the rest of the staff. We felt like we got the best of both worlds, a professional touch but yet a friendly and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The food on the day was impeccable, my mum wants to go back to the hotel and get the same dinner again!
The bar staff were incredible on the day, they were all so efficient and again, nothing was too much for them.
People always say "something will go wrong on your wedding day" I can honestly say, nothing went wrong for us, and that's 100% down to the professionalism of the staff. I have never been anywhere where the staff seemed so genuinely happy doing their jobs, it was lovely to have everyone smiling all day.
The attention to detail was amazing and we really could not have asked for anything more.
I wish I could go back and do it all again, thank you so much, Elizabeth, Se?n and little Andrew x

Ronan, Sarah, Paul, Sandra and the team were brilliant, so attentive and professional and the day ran like clockwork. Nothing was too much to ask and I couldn't recommend the venue more highly

The staff was absolutely amazing , they kept us calm and relaxed through out the hole day . Paul was always checking in throughout the day and keeping us updated as the day went on . I couldn't recommend Paul and Natasha anymore for their amazing work .

All the staff at the hotel went the extra mile to ensure our wedding was special. Our guests were made to feel welcome, and we had true Irish hospitality across the board. No problem was too small, and any little issue was resolved with absolute minimum of fuss. A fantastis location in every aspect - we'll be back for our anniversay.

In fairness, we could not fault this place even if we wanted. We were absolutely spoiled, right from the first meeting in November 2019 and up to the last goodbye on the 13th of November 2021!!! The place is magical with a team of top quality professionals!!!

Flawless

It's hard to put into works how happy we both are that we chose the Kinsale Hotel & Spa to host out wedding reception... Alison Walsh (wedding coordinator) was amazing and took any potential stresses away with her easy going and professional attitude throughout the entire process from day 1 to the big day. The hotel looked breathtaking with the most beautiful views from the balcony which only added to our experience.
We couldn't recommend this venue high enough :)

Everything that we have to say about our experience with the Kinsale Hotel and Spa is undoubtedly positive but they really surpassed all of our expectations as we like to think that we were probably the last wedding in Ireland before the lockdown!

We were looking for something a little bit different for our wedding, we really liked the idea of doing a lot of it ourselves with DIY elements (too many Pinterest ideas) and having a BBQ as the main meal. We first met Alison Walsh, the wedding coordinator for the Kinsale Hotel and Spa, at a wedding fair and we instantly felt that she was the right fit for us. Every idea we had she responded too with enthusiasm and positivity, never saying 'no' and even giving us better suggestions and ideas. The whole way through the planning process, Alison supported us. Alison put together a personalised wedding package for us so we didn't have to force ourselves into a package that we didn't want. The managers and reception staff in the hotel were also great to deal with when we called by to meet with Alison or check something in the function room. Alison was always a quick phone call away and was great to deal with through email, responding quickly.

To explain the professionalism and flexibility of the The Kinsale Hotel & Spa, on the week prior to the wedding on the 16th of March each single day brought a new development because of COVID-19. There were a number of restrictions put in place that we could not foresee such as social distancing, cocooning, sanitising requirements, limiting indoor event numbers and the closure of bars. While these measures are all commonplace now, at the time each day put a new hurdle in our way. We had a confirmed guest list of 155 a week before the wedding, three days before the wedding it dropped to 98 and on the day we had 75 guests. The venue was great with dealing with it all, taking everything in stride and adapting the plan without having to be asked by putting protection measures in place even though there weren't any published at the time. Everyone on the day was and felt safe.

In the days coming up to the wedding, we didn't know if the location for our ceremony would still be open, Alison was fast to offer that the ceremony could be hosted in the hotel which really gave us peace of mind as actually getting legally married was so important to us - luckily the ceremony went ahead at the original location but the offer was very appreciated. One of the big issues on the day was that the band could no longer play as they were advised to go into self-isolation. They contacted Alison directly the morning of the wedding and she was then able to contact our DJ to let him know and ask that he be there to take their place. All of it was handled so effortlessly by Alison, not needing to get me involved and letting the bridesmaids know so they could tell me at the right time after the reception. Alison was so great with dealing with all of the suppliers and obviously from all of her experience knew them all already so was on great terms with them!

I got ready in the bridal suite with my bridemaids which had plenty of space for hair and makeup. We were really taken care of with breakfast and snacks throughout the morning. The balcony and serene setting really helped to create a peaceful morning and looked great in the photos.

After the ceremony, Alison greeted us at the door with a red carpet and champagne. We had our reception in the resident's bar and dining area. We were lucky that the area was just refurbished so it looked fantastic, the bar area was cosy while the adjoining dining area was spacious and bright, it let all the guests find a place that was most comfortable for them. We had lovely pastries and warm scones with the tea/coffee which on the day was needed as it was a bit chilly. The venue also created a selection of homemade fruit punch which were amazing, I think I had three myself. The bridal suite was only a quick walk away, so it was easy to slip out to freshen up.

The function room really met all of our needs. There was a great view of Oysterhaven Bay and the grounds, letting in plenty of natural light. The bar is central in the room with plenty of space which avoided queues or anyone leaving the room or gathering on one side. There were two doors leading out onto the balcony with space heaters at night that were in plenty of use. We were able to play music from our phones over the sound system so we could play an entrance song and playlists during the meal and at the end of the night to put our own spin on the atmosphere. The function room has three screens that come down from the ceiling and projectors, two of which we used (on either side of the main table) to play a photo presentation showing our lives together, with appearances of all of the guests which got a good few laughs. The venue was so accommodating with us putting a personal touch on the day, we were able to drop off all of the decorations beforehand with a plan and they were all laid out as planned, I didn't have to worry about it. Obviously, our table plan had some drastic reductions so tables had to be removed, moved and reduced which we were able to do up until the night before in a very un-standard scenario.

The BBQ main meal was so good, some guests went back for seconds and thirds and we were all so well fed. There was a great selection of food and the venue had no problem with preparing foods for any of the guests with allergen or dietary requirements (of which there were many).
We would like to give a special mention to the bar staff, who even the guests commented on as being great. They we all very friendly and upbeat, paying special attention to the preparation of each drink especially our signature Mr & Mrs Cocktails. They stayed on top of everything and were very attentive.
The following morning, we were lucky to feel good enough for a walk so we took advantage of being able to walk around the grounds before breakfast, down to the waters edge through the forest. It was lovely to have some peaceful moments together after the celebrations the night before. The costs and billing were very transparent throughout the planning with Alison providing regular updates. It really gave peace of mind that there were no surprises waiting for us after the event.

The guests loved the day so much they are hoping that we will make it into a yearly event! It was a once in a lifetime event, it wouldn't be the same doing it again but I'm sure everyone would carry on without us! We loved the experience at the Kinsale Hotel and Spa and would not have changed it for the world, would definitely recommend.

Absolutely beautiful hotel, stunning views, amazing food, wonderful staff and a stellar wedding coordinator gave us the perfect day!

My wife and I got married at the Kinsale Hotel and Spa and cannot describe how amazing it was. The hotel itself was absolutely beautiful. Staff were amazing throughout. Alison the wedding coordinator can answer all your wedding questions big and small without hesitation and she was absolutely superb and so professional making sure everything went smoothly. Ronan the hotel manager was also around from start to finish and was also brilliant. We had an outdoor ceremony which was absolutely beautiful with the outstanding views of Oysterhaven. The balcony was also great for having the drinks reception after the ceremony. The reception set up at night was perfect and food was superb. Cannot fault a thing we had the best day of our lives and the Kinsale Hotel and Spa definitely helped make that happen.

Absolutely amazing venue. We had our ceremony and reception there. Food and services were superb. Special thanks to Alison Walsh ( wedding Co-ordinator) and team. From begging to end she was always in touch. All of our guests were wowed about food, services and the location. We could not say in word how friendly everyone was. Few of our guests were saying that if they had second chance to pick venue they would choose this one.

Our Wedding at the Kinsale Hotel & Spa, was just wonderful.
We had both our ceremony and reception there.
From the first meeting with Lyn (F&B Manager), to the Wedding co-ordinator Alison we
had a great experience with everyone who works there.
We had great support on the run up to the big day, every detail was thought of.

When we met the Head Chef for our tasting every question was answered and requests taken care of. There is also great service staff in the Restaurant.
We cannot say enough about how helpful and friendly everyone was.

On the day everything went exactly as planned. the room looked beautiful, the food was even better then we remembered, the service was impeccable and the bride was perfectly late

The location of the Hotel is off the beaten Track, its lovely and secluded and offers plenty of space for everyone involved. the views are breathtaking and the accommodation, while it could use a litte updating, is clean and well kept.

Altogether we had a wonderful experience and can only recommend it.

The hotel is in a beautiful setting and are well set up for a wedding. However Alison and her team are the real asset here. No worry was too small, no problem was too big and from the minute we decided on the hotel for our wedding, Alison made us feel like ours was the only wedding that was taking place there, for the whole year. She was responsive to every email and on the day, the fact that everything ran smoothly was as much down the fact that Alison and the team had thought of every eventuality and prepared for it without us even asking. We were organising the wedding from abroad and that made no difference to the level of service we got. The food on the day was great, the wine was lovely, the staff were amazing and all in all, I couldn't imagine such a big day going any better.

I honestly can't recommend the Macdonald Kinsale Hotel enough - they were fantastic from start to finish, especially Alison the wedding coordinator who is an absolute gem! She is really excellent at her job and nothing was ever too much trouble. The location and views are amazing, we were lucky enough to have our ceremony outside. The food was fantastic and the hotel were really flexible with the menus allowing us to adjust them to suit. We had lots of guests travelling from abroad so we pretty much took over the hotel for the weekend and they couldn't have looked after us better. Thanks again to everyone at the hotel!

What an amazing day. The Sun really came out for us. The meal was beautiful and everything went off well.

At the end of the night, Myself and husband were outraged for the way our Dj was treated by the bouncers on the night. They started hassling him from 1.40am onwards and they were very intimidating and made myself and husband and all our wedding guests feel uncomfortable like we had something done wrong. The second thing was the bar staff on the night had no manners at the end of the night. They started closing the stutters down on the hands of our guests while they were waiting for there change back. Over all the staff on the night were not very nice.

The third thing our family lunch on Sunday. Where do I start, no one had an idea what was happening we were passed around to Everyone and they all had a different answers for us. I was so mad and upset over the whole thing. Both families left the hotel with no lunch on mothers day. Because none of the staff on the day knew what was happening. There was no manager on to talk to us.

What started as a great weekend in a beautiful hotel, it's a pity the hotel let it's self down.

Amazing hotel and function room. We had the run of the place for the weekend. Food was incredible and was commented on by all of our guests.

The surrounding grounds were perfect for taking photographs. Great value for money and staff couldn't have done more for us.

I could not recommended Alison and her team at Macdonald Hotel & Spa, Kinsale more. Organising our wedding from Australia was initially a very daunting idea but once we started working with Alison, we knew we were in great hands. Nothing was too big or too small of an ask, even with the massive time difference!! We also availed of the day after BBQ and was such a perfect decision- amazing food, amazing views and everyone was so relaxed. The service we received right from the front desk was incredible, so much so- our guests could not stop talking about the hotel and the experience. We are beyond delighted with our experience- from the breathtaking views to the service, from the food to the amazing spa, we would have had it no other way. So for anyone searching for the perfect wedding venue, look no further!!! Thank you Alison and Co. again from the bottom of our hearts.

We had an absolutely fabulous experience at the Macdonald Kinsale Hotel & Spa. From the very start, we felt comfortable and well taken care of, and nothing was a problem, even with a large number of guests (220). Alison was so helpful in the lead-up to the event, and she and all the staff were amazing on the day. We were especially impressed when Donald followed us down to the playground, where we were taking photographs, with a bottle of champagne and some canapes, because he knew we'd be desperately need them by then! It was little touches like that that really made the day extra special. Could not recommend this hotel highly enough.

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I just want to say a huge thank you to yourself, Lynn and all the staff for ensuring that out wedding day went absolutely perfect. Ye all went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly and without a hitch. Thanks so much for looking after our girls throughout the day (even providing food for them so they wouldn't starve during the photos ????) and looking after all our guests as the professionals ye are.?

The day was perfect from start to finish and that was due to all of ye with your kind, caring and professional manner.

I wish we could do it all again !!!!?

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Kind Regards,

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Laura & Daniel Lucas?

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PS: You are welcome to share this post & photos on social media xx?

Our day but was perfect. All the staff were great and really enjoyed pre wedding tasting meal.

We were very disappointed when the wedding planner that we had originally booked with left the company. We were disappointed with the rates we were given for the wedding quest staying in the hotel. We felt that once we had given our deposit the manager at the time was not willing to negotiate. There were a few mistakes eg music sheets for ceremony were put on dining tables instead of the chairs for the ceremony. We had to pay extra money for the processor reception as it was not distributed correctly. I had ordered a different desert for my self for the wedding meringue. It was forgotten. Soup was disappointing very very thick. other than that food was ok. The Venus was fantastic. The room got very hot as the day went on. I think the air condition was not working adequately The beautician and hairdresser recommended by the hotel were brilliant.the flowers came from local shop in kinsale were absaloutely superb and so was the staff running the flowers shop . The preacher was highly entertaining and had everyone's attention for the service. The staff were very friendly . I wish the new owners well.

We had an amazing wedding day at The Carlton Hotel Kinsale on June 26th, 2015. It was brilliant from start to finish. Couldn't reccommend the hotel more. The staff, service, venue,location. Everything was superb.

Martin, myself and all our guests had a great time on Saturday at our wedding!
Everything, food, wine, staff was excellent! Particular thanks to Pat for catering to
my uncles needs and for sorting out the music! And a huge thanks to Claire for
everything you did for us, you helped make the day very special!
Thanks again.

OMG Claire... Where to start???
Thank you all so so so much for the most amazing wedding day/weekend. I cried for a
lot of the day on Sunday with emotion as we did not want it to be over. It was
everything myself and J had ever dreamed of but it was even more amazing again.From the moment we arrived and checked in, to the beautiful garden suites, the gift
from the Spa, to the service, the meal on Friday night, the breakfasts on the morning,
the arrival reception, the function room, the meal, the staff and the bridal suite...
Every single detail was AMAZING.
I'm feeling so emotional writing this as I wish we could do it all over again. I want
to thank you from the bottom of my heart as you just gave us the wedding of our
dreams and we will never ever forget it. I'm just so glad we will have a video of it so
we can remember it forever. Please thank Patrick for us also as he was just so good to us, Jacqui who was an
absolute angel and all the bar, accommodation & reception staff. Please also thank
the guys who helped us carry in all the wine etc on Friday night as we never noted
their names and they were great.As we spoke with our family & friends and listened to them all rave about the service
and the food, we realised that it is possibly the first wedding in history that went off
without a glitch... Think that just says it all :)
Thanks a million from the two of us. Ye were stars.

Claire, en route to Dublin for the honeymoon with my hubby, we both want
to give you our sincere thanks for an epic day on Saturday, we were so
pleased with everything and it was even better than we could have hoped
for. The staff- yourself, Avril, Jackie and Kamil couldn't have been better at
your jobs and we really felt ye went the extra mile for us. Everybody was
raving about the food and it was the icing on the cake that the dog also attended the affair (and that the bell was rang that bit later!), it was superb.?
Kind Regards and our sincere thanks.

Claire, I'm just getting round to things now, jet lag is gone! I just wanted to that
you and Avril and the staff at the Carlton for giving us a memorable day, We had a
great time and everyone said it was a great day. Can't believe we even got our
outdoor wedding! everyone is still talking about it!

Claire, I just want to say thank you so much for Everything you did for us!
Nothing was a bother to you! And Avril and the staff that evening were
brilliant everyone was talking about the service and food!! Im still thinking
about the vol au vents!! Yum!! Thanks again Claire we had such a special day
at the Carlton!!
Warmest and kindest regards

First of all I have to say that we had the most wonderful day!! The food was
outstanding the mock tails were awesome everything was perfect ! So many
of our guests are still talking about the day ! Can I congratulate you and your
staff for a job well done!

I am getting married in the Carlton Kinsale next year, starting to get nervous already. I love the hotel, especially the views! I found the WC to be lovely and very helpful any time I have met with her, she really could not do anymore, helped us with churches, cakes, bands, menus. Also dined in the bar last visit and the food was FAB...