Kinsale is a picturesque town located in County Cork, Ireland, known for its charming streets, colorful buildings and beautiful coastal scenery. It has a rich history dating back to medieval times, and the town has many historical landmarks and buildings, such as Charles Fort and James Fort, which provide insight into the area’s past. The beauty extends to the surrounding countryside, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. Kinsale is famous for its gastronomic scene and is often referred to as the gourmet capital of Ireland. It also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, such as the Kinsale Arts Festival and the Kinsale Literary Festival, Words by the Water.
Some popular things to do in Kinsale include:
- Visit Charles Fort, a 17th-century star-shaped fortification that offers great views of the harbor and the surrounding area. A view within Charles Fort is shown above.
- Take a walk along Scilly Walk or the waterfront and admire the colorful buildings and boats in the harbor. If you get down to the New Bridge, warm up with a cuppa from Wild & Tame.
- Visit the Old Head of Kinsale, a promontory that offers panoramic views of the sea and the coastline.
- Explore Kinsale’s many art galleries and studios, which showcase the work of local artists. Kinsale is home to a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries and exhibitions showcasing local and international artists.
- Visit the Desmond Castle, also known as the International Museum of Wine, which tells the story of the town’s wine-making heritage.
- Take a boat tour of the harbor and surrounding waters to see seals, dolphins and other marine life. We did one of these on our honeymoon!
- Visit the St. John the Baptist Church, a medieval church that has been well-preserved and contains interesting features such as a 15th-century font.
- Take a stroll around the town and admire the charming streets, lined with colorful buildings and traditional pubs. You can get a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee at my fave Wild + Tame and walk between the brightly painted rows of houses and shops.
- Visit the Kinsale Regional Museum, which has exhibits on the town’s history and cultural heritage.
- Enjoy the local cuisine, Kinsale is known for its seafood and you can find excellent seafood restaurants and local pubs in town. Fishy Fishy is a favorite and there is a playground nearby for kids to get their energy out before sitting for a meal. Bastion boasts a Michelin star.
Have you visited Kinsale? What have I missed? Don’t you agree it’s one of the most picturesque spots in Ireland?
