Casey's Of Baltimore

We’d happily come back to this little gem in West Cork. The morning after breakfast service had ended, we stopped by for coffee and were still offered freshly cooked food. We ordered a small Irish breakfast and scrambled eggs on toast, both delicious and cooked just right. The room felt airy, with a comfy bed and spotless bathroom; the corridors and room have been beautifully renovated and decorated, even though the reception is small and old. Thank you.

The friendly, efficient service was a bright spot, and the room was fairly quiet despite being close to the main road. Still, at over €200 for one night with breakfast, I left disappointed and wouldn’t return. The room was in the Lodge, a red bungalow beside the main hotel that looked badly renovated. The bedroom was at the back and the bed was comfortable, but I wasn’t reassured by the build quality: the bathroom door handle was coming loose, and the large road-facing bathroom window had opaque film that also looked ready to peel away, hopefully not while someone was on the toilet. When we got back around 20:00, temperatures were close to zero and the room felt like a fridge. There was a heating problem, so they brought an electric heater. Even when the heating worked, the bathroom stayed cold. Breakfast was functional. The cooked food looked as if it had all been deep-fried together, and the black pudding was hard as a gobstopper. In general, it was okay, but I wouldn’t go back.

The setting is stunning, and the owners’ thoughtfulness shows throughout the place. They’re considerate and clearly know what they’re doing. Nothing felt pretentious, but everything was to a high standard, and the staff were lovely. It was probably the most enjoyable stay we’ve had anywhere. Thanks a lot.

The beer garden out back is great on a sunny day, and the bar and restaurant are both lovely. The seafood chowder didn’t win me over last time, though. I’m used to it being creamier, and this one seemed more watery.