About The Old Presbytery
The Old Presbytery dates back to pre 1750 and is said to have been built by a Spanish merchant. Kinsale was a very important naval town in the 17th & 18th centuries, visited by traders from all over Europe. The story goes that the house was bequeathed to the Catholic Church around the time of Catholic Emancipation in 1829. It was subsequently divided into two separate residences for the priests of the parish - these houses today are The Old Presbytery and Desmond House. One particularly well-known and loved Parish Priest who lived in the house was Father Patrick McSwiney, who lived here from 1927 to 1940. He was a writer, teacher, painter, intellectual and philanthropist who spoke 6 languages and opened the vocational school in Kinsale. He was legendary for his charitable work - one local man recounted the story of his aunt knitting a pullover and pair of socks for the priest, only to see them on a poor man in the street the following day! A Sacred Heart picture belonging to Fr. McSwiney still hangs inside the front door of the Old Presbytery.
What was known as the Presbytery by generations of Kinsale people (the Presbytery being the Catholic priests’ house) became the Old Presbytery when the priests moved to a new house close by. The old house was in disrepair for a number of years and was converted into a bed and breakfast by the Buggy family in the 1980’s. The Old Presbytery found fame by being featured on early television programmes highlighting fine fayre and hospitality in Ireland. The old butter churn in the hallway dates back to the great dairy age when Cork was the Butter Capital of the world. Buttered eggs were a local speciality and in keeping with tradition, the food hamper presented to Queen Elizabeth II on her recent visit to Cork’s famous English Market contained 6 of the best buttered eggs. Fresh farm eggs are still served by Philip at the Old Presbytery.
The Old Presbytery has been run by the McEvoy family - Noreen, Philip and their family - since 1995. The rooms are constantly being upgraded and a new wing was added 1n 1998 - this is decorated in the same traditional style with Victorian brass beds and old Irish pine furniture. According to Fionn Davenport, Lonely Planet Author and Travel Expert ”The Old Presbytery has gracefully moved into the 21st century with a careful refurbishment that maintains its character without pushing it into the 'batty old dowager' category. The timeless pine furniture contrasts with the refitted bathrooms.”
Recent additions have been a patio for guests' use as well as solar panels for water-heating. The Old Presbytery has an eco-friendly policy and uses organic and Fair Trade products wherever possible.
