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Dempsey's Hostel

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Traveller (13)
Room & Suite (7)
Dining (1)

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Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#1 of 2 hostels in Kinsale
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bicycle rental
Canoeing
Airport transportation
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Wifi
Diving
Game room
Hiking
Horseback riding
Windsurfing
Fishing
Table tennis
Car hire
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, French, Czech, Polish and 1 more
103Reviews1Q+A9Room tips
Traveller rating
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Sandra M wrote a review Feb 2022
1 contribution
We felt very at home here. Liam was very helpful and understanding. I would highly recommend this hostel to anyone in the future. Nice laid back atmosphere in a picturesque setting. It was only a short walk to the centre of Kinsale. 10/10.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Iqueenie wrote a review Aug 2021
2 contributions
We are a family of six that stayed at Dempsey’s recently- we had a seven bed dorm to ourselves- with plenty room and a sink etc. Perfect for a stay with children, and a great location- nice walk into town. Alex was a great host, very welcoming and helpful. We will definitely stay again if around Kinsale. Would recommend.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Christian D wrote a review Aug 2020
7 contributions4 helpful votes
I often stay in hostels and dempsey's is among the best of them. My dates changed a few times when I was staying and they were more than happy to accommodate me. Rooms were cleaned with coronavirus in mind and were comfortable. All the staff were super friendly and at no point did I feel unwelcome or uncomfortable staying there. At a fair price as well I'm looking forwards to staying next year!
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
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Lorraine Daly wrote a review Dec 2019
1 contribution
Alex the Host is superb. I checked into a Dorm on Saturday night. I was not feeling too good and he upgraded me to a single dorm yesterday so that I could get much needed rest. Very chilled out atmosphere. Will definitely stay here again when I am next in Ireland. It’s so convenient to the town and the locals make it a very special place. Don’t look for any other Hostel you’ve already found an Excellent one.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
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Gustavo B wrote a review Dec 2019
1 contribution
Hello travelers! I never really wrote a hostel review before but I feel compelled to share my recent experience with you at Dempsey's Hostel in Kinsale South West Cork - Ireland This has been a unique experience in many aspects and will try to be succinct and concise even though I have a lot to say. I came here on a medical leave to decompress over excessive working hours and extreme pressure working for a large corporation. I was greeted at the doorstep by Alex the Manager. Alex has taken over management in the last four months, and from what I have heard and read Alex has accomplished changes in the business in an extraordinary short period of time. The atmosphere is familiar and whatever his trick is he manages to keep a well balanced and diverse guest list To begin with I have never been to a hostel with such style of management and can tell you I have around a lot. Alex is extremely present and connects with guests wondering around making sure everyone has everything they need an is looked after. Alex will simply stop what he is doing ( if not assisting other guests) and get you a towel for example. He socialises with the guest and has a passion for languages (especially Slavic) and cultural customs and nuances around the world and is well travelled what makes Conversing with him rather interesting. This hostel and Kinsale, is located in a peaceful small town has done wonders to my mental and physical health. After 5 days here I went back to my doctor and my blood pressure and pulse rate were back to normal. It as a combination of being close to nature but most importantly I come back from my walks to place where I feel welcome and at home. Now I will bullet ponit the trivial contents of hostels reviews: 5 min walk to a large low cost supermarket 10 min walk to the village The bus stops literally at the door Spotless facilities and comfortable beds with thick pillows and solid mattresses Fully equipped kitchen with a great variety of utensils so the foodies can go mad with their cooking Consistent hot water supply and good shower water pressure Large conservatory and dinning area both with televisions in it Stable consistent WiFi for streaming videos Needless to say I strongly recommend visiting Kinsale but you might not have the warmth welcoming accommodation if you don't stay at Dempseys Hostel in the good hands of Alex who's is a kind and atypical professional individual in hospitality and has a natural instinct to rapidly adapt and build rapport with different age groups and with varied peoples' cultural backgrounds.
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Date of stay: November 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LostLittleGirlx wrote a review Jul 2019
Wexford, Ireland203 contributions144 helpful votes
We had a lovely stay here with our son. After reading previous reviews I was a bit worried but the lady who welcomed us (I think her name was Marie Claire) was so friendly and cheerful. The room was clean and seemed to have a fresh new carpet and looked as if it had been freshly painted too. Bed was warm and cosy, had a great sleep. We did not eat here but kitchen was clean with fresh herbs growing in the window. The house is no longer that God awful blue colour. It too has been freshly painted. There is a large common room in the conservatory. Car park is to the back and was a little crowded but we found a space. Marie Claire was happy to suggest places to eat locally too. I'd recommend this place. It was cheap, clean and did the job. Why pay more? I'm guessing the place is now under new management from previous reviews as we found no problems here and would definitely stay again.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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Codex554 wrote a review Jul 2019
1 contribution3 helpful votes
I came in expecting fawlty towers, instead got a decent acceptable hostel, it's been a under new management so if you see bad reviews before this year those are probably about old management. Pretty good, would go again.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3 Helpful votes
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Laura M wrote a review Apr 2019
Portarlington, Ireland10 contributions9 helpful votes
This is not a secure place for female travellers! Texts on whatsapp from the man on reception and front door barely locks. Not a very secure or safe place. Also read a review of a woman staying in a female dorm and she was sure that a man came in during the night to sleep in the room and was gone in the morning. Very strange place I'd never return should have slept in my car would have felt safer!!
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Date of stay: April 2019
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Just dont go here
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from unrealdeal, Owner at Dempsey's Hostel
Responded 01 May 2019
Dear Laura, I am very dissapointed to read about your experience at my hostel. I take the safety and security of my guests very seriously and I am grateful for this feedback as it is the only way I can be aware of such episodes. Dempseys hostel has always been regarded as a welcoming and safe hostel for many people travelling alone throughout the years, both Male and female. Please be aware that I take your complaint very seriously and will be investigating it in accordance with our complaints procedure. I wish to apologise for the experience you have had. As you are probably aware, I have endeavored to contact you to apologise in person and in order to investigate fully I would appreciate it if you could contact me at your convenience Yours Sincerely, Karl Dempsey. Dempseys Hostel
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Alli B wrote a review Sept 2018
Washington4 contributions1 helpful vote
Some people are saying its bad but I don't think so. The car park isn't so good, though. When we were coming in a car got stuck and skidded around trying to pull back out. The reception person was nice enough to help us figure out parking and showed us the hostel. Good price as it is a short walk into town.
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Date of stay: September 2018
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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richard w wrote a review Sept 2018
King's Lynn, United Kingdom114 contributions67 helpful votes
Well I read some of the negative reviews prior to our booking, and although of course I was not present, I cannot agree with the ones I read. Firstly, lets remember you are not paying to stay in a 4 star hotel!..so don't expect the same! What you will get is a room that is clean, and a bed that is comfortable. shared shower and toilet rooms, more than enough for the number of occupants. Cooking arrangements, well they seemed adequate, to be honest we used this purely for sleeping and showering in, so for us it was excellent. I asked for an extra key to the room, no problem....I asked for towels...no problem. If I was to well lets say moan...but its only a little one!!!!! we were told there was complimentary tea coffee sugar and milk..to help yourself with...this was not really there...but those who were cooking their own meals etc were real friendly, so we had our early morning cuppa!!! Would we book again? well for us fellas yes...without a date.
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Date of stay: September 2018
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: As far as private hostel rooms go, this is very good.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
IrelandProvince of MunsterCounty CorkKinsale
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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DEMPSEY'S HOSTEL - Reviews & Price Comparison (Kinsale, Ireland) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Dempsey's Hostel
Which popular attractions are close to Dempsey's Hostel?
Nearby attractions include Dalton's Bar & Accomodation (0.6 km), St Multose Church (0.8 km), and James Fort (1.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Dempsey's Hostel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and airport transportation.
What food & drink options are available at Dempsey's Hostel?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Dempsey's Hostel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Dempsey's Hostel?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Black Pig Winebar, Bastion, and Cosy Cafe.
Does Dempsey's Hostel have airport transportation?
Yes, Dempsey's Hostel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Dempsey's Hostel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Kinsale.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Dempsey's Hostel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, Polish, Czech, and Slovak.
Are there any historical sites close to Dempsey's Hostel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Charles Fort (1.6 km), James Fort (1.1 km), and Mount Long Castle (5.8 km).