Paul K.
Yelp
Arriving at Aherne's late on Tuesday evening for our last night of a ten day tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland, we were greeted from the main road by the owner, John who personally guided us from the secure and private car parking to our spacious rooms in this warm and homely hotel.
The rooms were very clean and fully appointed, with desk (Wi-Fi included) flat-screen TV, armchair, king size bed and large bathroom. Having settled in we headed downstairs to the formal restaurant (bar dining was also available) to experience the local tasting menu for which we had read excellent reviews.
We were not disappointed, quite the opposite - after a full seven courses of delightful, fresh and locally sourced seafood, along with drink pairings including a miniature Guinness with oysters and port with the cheese course, we needed to take a brisk walk around the block to re-invigorate before returning to the cosy hotel bar for a nightcap.
The dark wood and brass bar was lightly populated with fellow guests and our hosts with whom we had the pleasure of putting the world to rights over Guinness, Murphys and Bushmills. As two Brits and a New Zealander, we were made to feel as if regulars and thoroughly enjoyed the evening as we did our entire stay.
The bed was extremely comfortable and the room perfectly dark and peaceful. After a wonderful night's sleep, we returned downstairs, past the real open fire in the drawing room, to a delicious full Irish breakfast and a cheerful morning greeting from our friendly host. Check-out was fast and simple and on departure our only regret was not being able to stay for longer.
We highly recommend Aherne's to other visitors whether for overnight accommodation or even if just to dine - the food really is superb and reasonably priced for the quality. A short drive from either Cork or Kinsale add Aherne's as a MUST when you (next) visit Southern Ireland.