Harbour Lodge, Kinsale

This elegant guest house is decorated to the highest standards. The beautifully decorated residents' lounge and dining room opens onto a large conservatory which houses exotic cacti and offers panoramic views of the harbor and yacht marina. The rooms also have balconies overlooking that harbor. Kinsale is the gourmet capital of Ireland, and many of the best restaurants are within walking distance. For those who enjoy a round of golf, you'll be happy to hear that the proprietors are also keen golfers and can fill you in on the best local courses, and organize preferential green fees.