Kinsale

Why not check out our self catering holiday homes in Kinsale

 

For centuries, Kinsale has been a haven from the sea for travelers and traders alike. Their influence has made Kinsale the most cosmopolitan and charming ports in Ireland.

Kinsale is perhaps the best-known town in Irish tourism. It has a very long season each year beginning at Easter and running at least until the annual Gourmet Festival in October. Kinsale is the perfect holiday destination, as your bound to find something to do that will keep everyone from small children to adults entertained

Entertainment
 

The Hole In The Wall Kinsale
This pub was established in 1810 and has been extremely popular with locals and tourists ever since. One of Kinsales liveliest music bars, live music in summertime which is varied. A huge attraction in summer is the unique cliff facing beer garden. Bar food is served from 12.00 to 18.00 which is renowned for its fresh sandwiches, baguettes, salads and its famous Hole In The Wall Burger.

Bulman Bar & Restaurant
Steeped in tradition since its opening as a public house in 1901, the Bulman has long been part of the lives of many generations of locals and tourist alike. Winners of Black & White Cork Pub of the Year 2002 and All Ireland 2004.

Enjoy the delights of the seafood menu overlooking the wild Atlantic from the restaurant, in the scenic hamlet of Summercove. Enjoy locally brewed Kinsale beers in the award winning bar. Whatever the occasion, there is always a welcoming log fire waiting for you. Live unplugged traditional Irish music downstairs in the bar on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday nights.

Captains Table Restaurant
Welcoming and friendly, the Captains Table Restaurant offers both Irish and European dishes with an emphasis on seafood and healthy options in contemporary surroundings. Menus are seasonal and incorporate the best of fresh local produce.

A choice of a la carte, table dhote and value menus are on offer each evening, with childrens menu also available.

The waterfront bar features music every Thursday, Friday & Saturday night during the summer months. Cork City Jazz Band play every Sunday lunchtime - not to be missed!

Festivals

Kinsale International Festival Of Autumn Flavours
Takes place every October. While you are there enjoy the best of fine food and wines in convivial party atmosphere with music, dance, activities and themed wine tasting.

The Kinsale Fringe Jazz Festival
The best of Jazz and Blues takes place in the many hostelries of Kinsale featuring international acts from the US, UK and Ireland. Kinsales picturesque streets resound to the sounds of a party by the sea, coinciding with Corks well-known jazz festival.

Kinsale Arts Festival Week
The Kinsale Arts Week (KAW) runs in July every year and brings together the best in local artistic talent with some of the finest national and international performers to offer the community and the visiting public an extravaganza of creative expression encompassing music and dance, theatre, visual arts, literary work and street entertainment.

The Kinsale Good Food Circle Gourmet Festival
s an annual event which takes place in October. It promotes all the delights and flavours of Kinsale, Cork and Ireland as well as introducing an international theme form which the restaurants of Kinsale can gain inspiration.

Places to visit in Kinsale
 

Kinsale Brewing Co. Ltd.
Kinsale Brewery is situated on the site of the original Landers Brewery which dates back to 1703. The building has been restored and now contains a full working brewery and a busy bar. Tours are available and consist of the history of brewing in Kinsale and the history of the site. The brewing process from raw materials, brewing, fermentation to finishing is covered in the tour. It ends in the bar where a complimentary drink is served.

Charles Fort
Constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War in 1922-1923. Charles Fort was declared a National Monument in 1973. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ive in 1602. Partial access for visitors with disabilities.

Desmond Castle and Wine Museum
Originally built as a Custom House, Desmond Castle has also served as an ordnance store, prison and workhouse. It was occupied by the Spanish in 1601 during the Battle of Kinsale. In the succession of European wars in the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle was used as a place of confinement for French and Spanish prisoners of war. During the Great Irish Famine, (1845-1850) Desmond Castle was used as a workhouse and up to 200 people were housed there. It was declared a National Monument in 1938. Since 1997, Desmond Castle has housed the International Museum of Wine. This exhibition documents the fascinating story of Irelands wine links with Europe and the wider world.

The Courthouse Kinsale
The Courthouse is located in Market Square this interesting building was built in about 1600, with additions in 1706 which included the frontage with the loggia on the ground floor. Offices and a jury room were provided on the first floor, and part of the original building was converted into a most interesting panelled courtroom. It was in this building that the Kinsale Town Corporation and its sovereign conducted their affairs and the Courthouse was also used for ceremonial occasions in the 18th century. The Museum in the Courthouse has many interesting items on display which includes a display on the famous Kinsale Giant. He was Patrick Cotter O Brien. He died in 1806 and is believed to have been over 8 foot tall.

 Things to do in Kinsale
 

Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre
The centre is situated in the heart of Kinsale town on the estuary of the Bandon river. Activities include canoeing, rockclimbing and orienteering. The centre is suitable for all age groups over 7 years. The centre offers multi-activity courses including team challenge, archery and body boarding. There are fully qualified sailing windsurfing and motorboat instructors available and courses can be arranged to individual and group needs. The centre is approved by several governing bodies such as ISA, ICU and BOS.

Kinsale Dive Centre
Castlepark Marina Centre is a complete dive centre where all the facilities are in one location. Tuition includes Discover Scuba, PADI open water course, guided dive with dive master, Specialist courses include night diver, wreck diver, medic First Aid, etc. Advanced Open Water by arrangement, The centre has its own restaurant, dive shop, equipment hire, marine, hard boat, RIB, video room - all under the one management. Next door is a traditional Irish pub, The Dock and only 100m to a sheltered sandy beach. A perfect combination for a diving location.

Kinsale Harbour Cruises
Kinsale Harbour Cruises offer a cruise on a boat with full bar licence plus historical commentary and music. Tours are of one hours duration. Charters for groups are also available. (Evenings only during June, July and August). Walking tours in West Cork, Kerry and The Burren are also catered for between September & March.
Phone:+353 21 4778946

Angling
Charter boat operators are based at Kinsale and there has been a major investment in new sea angling boats. Kinsale specialises in Blue Shark fishing, and has an excellent reputation in this regard. Some of the well-fished angling marks include the Ling Rocks and the wreck of the 260 metre Lusitania liner off the Old Head of Kinsale. Another Kinsale speciality is Garfish. Kinsale holds some Irish Records for sea fish, and features regularly in the annual Irish Specimen Fish listings.

Sailing: Kinsailing
Kinsailing is a yacht charter business based in Kinsale. On offer are bareboat charter (at extremely competitive rates!) and skippered charter, any duration to suit your requirements including skippered day sails for only 350 euros or half day at only 250 euros (Kinsailing carry up to 7 people so that's only €50 a day each for the experience of a lifetime!!) Also on offer are tuition either on a Sigma 38 or your own boat, mile building and night hours for those developing experience, yacht delivery and management.
See Kinsailing's website for full details or call Ross Ireland on +353 87 9044409.

Herlihys Guided Tours
As well as an engaging historical account of the development of Kinsale from its Medieval town beginnings, this historical stroll also vividly unveils the strategic importance of Kinsales perfect harbour and extraordinary fortifications following the New World discoveries.

Kinsale Ghost Tours Lasting just over an hour this walking tour (which starts at the Tap Tavern) will entertain and educate you on the history of Kinsale and you might even get more than you bargained for!!
 

Kinsale Golf Club
This course has an ideal location close to the town of Kinsale, Cork Airport and Cork city. The undulating landscape of the Bandon valley, where it is located, is perfectly suited to a golf course while the dry nature of the soil guarantees that the game can be played all year round. Christ.