Lucinda O'Sullivan's Ireland

About The Hotel

The first time I met Maureen Tierney we had arrived with two small boys in the car, hot, tired and ratty. Jack Charlton was the Irish Soccer Team Manager, it was “Ole Ole Year”- 1990 - when Ireland took the summer off to support the Irish Team in the World Cup. We were renting a self-catering house from her. She strolled up the street smiling and cool - immediately lowering our stress levels – nothing seemed to faze her and nothing was a problem.

Maureen Tierney has always been ahead of the game. In recent years, various luxury B&Bs and Guesthouses have come on stream in Kinsale and they may well be very excellent but some are also very expensive, catering for wealthy golfers coming to play at the Old Head. Maureen said to herself “what about providing luxury accommodation but at reasonable prices” and Friar’s Lodge was born.

In the centre of town, nothing is lacking for Maureen’s specifications were meticulous for her new venture, which has proved a real winner. Friar’s Lodge is built over and around a central archway, leading to ample private parking and three self-catering houses. The rooms and suites are like good hotel rooms, spacious, with all creature comforts, turn down service, choccies on your pillow – a pillow menu – telephone, TV, DVD, radio, internet connection, iPod stations, safe, ironing centre, mini bar available, and of course an elevator – not to mention the recntly added e-charging points in the car park, for electric vehicles. You can also bring your pet – but do enquire first because it doesn’t include elephants or alligators!

There are lovely relaxing lounge areas where you can sit and chat with other guests or read the magazines. Maureen and her staff provide that extra 4 Star Service and will make any reservations you wish or arrange tee times – there is also a drying room for golfers. There is a compact wine menu available to residents and complimentary sherry sits in the decanter just waiting for you to have that aperitif before you toddle out to one of the many famous Kinsale restaurants. Breakfasts are delicious – help yourself to the cereals, fruits, and juices and then have a hot breakfast. “Would you like some fish,” said Maureen, “we just run down to the local fish shop – which is particularly good – and bring it in fresh………”

Nothing is ever too much trouble for Maureen Tierney – she is still smiling and unflappable – outstanding – loves horses and is definitely in the winner’s enclosure.

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