I have travelled the world over on a budget for the past 20 years but arrived here and decided not to stay first time ever . The beds looked dirty, he kitchen was barren and did not look safe. To get from the bedroom to the toilet was a long way and through the public areas. Kinsale is a beautiful town and you could stay in a B and B for a small amount more and be near the town and enjoy the real lovely atmosphere of the town.

I arranged a trip to Kinsale for a few friends for my birthday this year, and Dempsey's was where we stayed. There were seven of us- a mix of couples and singles, all mid to late twenties. This was exactly the right place. It's the perfect location- the main bus route from Cork and the airport stops literally right outside the door; it's a couple of minutes walk from the charming town centre, and the hostel itself is set a little way back from the road so you can barely hear the little traffic there is. Rory is the manager there- he's always around but not at all intrusive and really wants to make sure you're having a good stay- the few requests we did make he couldn't have been more helpful with. It's got big communal areas too although they do get very cold, so if you want to spend the evening in it's worth asking to borrow an extra heater. The kitchen is quite big with plenty of hob space (no oven though) and everything you need. It's basic and spartan throughout, but clean- for the price, it's perfect.

I stayed at Dempsey's last year on my backpacking tour through Ireland and I really enjoyed it. Although it's a very basic hostel it was clean (which is the most importan thing for me, I don't mind basic accomodations as long as they are not dirty) and Rory, the guy who worked at the hostel (btw: all the time, 24/7!), was more than friendly. I had a very warm welcome and was offered a nice cup of tea in the conservatory (I enjoyed that place especially in the morning, when the sun came in). He was always there when I needed help or advise and he gave me some tipps what can be seen in the area around (don't miss the Charles Fort!). I even extended my stay as I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere in the hostel so much and met some really nice people there.
It often happens to me in hostels that I hear people complaining about dirty dishes etc. but never see them cleaning up their own mess (happened to me at Dempsey's). Common enough that's the main reason for dirty kitchens etc.
If you are looking for a luxury accomodation this hostel is not the right choice, as it is defenitly basic, but if you like indipendent hostels with their special aura and are looking for a friendly place to stay close to Kinsale Dempsey's is to be recommended.

I did not enjoy this hostel at all..... It smelled very bad , the service was poor , it was near a busy road, and the rooms were cramped. The only up side being it's close location to kinsale .