What To Do in Kinsale: Class Food & Old Heads
Our Cork Hub: Kinsale
Kinsale is a colorful coastal town that is the food capital of Ireland. The small town's many restaurants get their fish straight off the boats on the pier.
Kinsale is more touristy than our usual hubs, but it is where Irish people go on holidays and so it retains a very Irish feel. As opposed to Killarney for example, which might as well use the US dollar for their official currency.
Folks come from Cork City & Dublin to dine in the restaurants of Kinsale. The energy and craic on a sunny Summer evening is hard to beat here. It's a genuine Irish experience.
Kinsale is the starting point of the 2,500km Wild Atlantic Way. We follow a lot of that route on this website, because it is one of the greatest drives in the world.
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Where to Stay in Kinsale
- Actons Hotel Kinsale "We had a stunning room looking out over the water and the pier. Every staff member we met was warm, engaging and friendly"
- Perryville House "One of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed at! Perfect location on the harbor, stunning interiors, fresh flowers everywhere"
- Long Quay House "In a lovely Georgian building, right across from the Kinsale harbor. The breakfast was superb, especially the home made jam."
- Lemon Leaf Townhome "The room was perfect in every way and whomever designed it was brilliant in the use of space. And have a fabulous breakfast"
What To Do in Kinsale
The Scilly Walk To Charles Fort
The Charles Fort was built in 1682, is star shaped and is just a 40 minute walk from Kinsale along the Scilly Walk. For a 340 year old structure, it's in good condition. Enjoy the beautiful views over Kinsale Harbour
That is English that the guides are speaking, it's just the Cork version.
The Lemon Leaf Cafe in the fort is excellent. Plan a lunch walk here.
James Fort
It's little brother, James Fort is also a 40 minute walk from town. It's not as well taken care of, so take care as you explore it. Have a pint in the The Dock and don't miss the beach behind it where you can warm up at the Cozy Sauna. There's less tourists here than other parts of Kinsale, so well worth the wander.
Sandycove
In the same direction, is Sandycove. It's a gorgeous walk. Keep left past the pier to find a coastal path with views that'll rack up your Instagram likes. If you're feeling adventurous, there's an old fishing rope to help you down to the rocks , just remember you'll need to climb back up. You'll love the views out to Sandycove Island. While you're out there, check out Courtaparteen, an abandoned famine village with a well preserved church. Most people don't even know it exists.
Where to Eat in Kinsale
Walk the streets of Kinsale, eat fish
Bastion is Michelin starred. Their tasting menu is something you should book well in advance. Jim Edwards’s gastropub is less formal but just as delicious.
Marie and Salvador (Irish-Spanish couple) at Salvis on Pearse St have been feeding the same locals for years. Walk to the New Bridge to the Catch of the Day food truck for a more casual meal. Dino’s on Pier Road also has excellent fish & chips.
Something different? Try the Flying Poet, an aviation cafe run by a South African family with walls of books to browse.
Kinsale Farmers Market
This is in the town car park every Wednesday morning and has 30 local vendors. It's worth planning your trip to be here for it. Irish country markets are a gem.
Forage For Seaweed
Find your own food! I love this one because it is so different and very local. Ireland's seaweed is our slimy green version of gold. You'll find baths up and down the coast, it's got that salty taste when added to food. Forage with a marine biologist for seaweed in Kinsale. You'll learn about Irish folklore too. Kids love this one!
Where to Drink in Kinsale
First, learn the local etiquette, you're in Cork so drink Murphys or Beamish, none of that Dublin Guinness stuff down here in Cork!
The three best bars are all outside town, The Dock, The Spaniard, and The Bulman. In town, the Greyhound is where you'll find actual locals.
Black's Brewery and Distillery
Can't decide between a beer or a whiskey. No worries, take a short walk out of town to visit Black's. Ireland's only distillery & brewery in one locations. It's owned by a couple, not a corporation so give them a visit.
Honey Mead
Mead is the world's oldest alcoholic drink. It is made from honey so that makes it healthy by me! The Kinsale Mead Company does tours and more importantly, tastings. A really fun and surprisingly educational thing to do.
Around Kinsale
The Kinsale 9/11 Garden of Remembrance
This is an unexpected as it is solemn. The Kinsale Garden of Remembrance was established by a Kinsale lady, Kathleen Cait Murphy who worked as a nurse for over 30 years in New York City. 344 trees planted in Kinsale to remember Father Michael Judge & 343 the members of the NYFD who lost their lives on 9/11.
Garrylucas Beach
This is my vibe completely and very local. Go for a swim at Garrylucas Beach, or surf at Garrettstown beach, then warm up at The Sauna Snugg, a mobile sauna wagon. While the wagon is cool looking on the outside, it's sweltering hot inside. You will definitely be mixing with locals here. You’ll be in tight quarters and will make sweaty friends easily. Check ahead for their opening times at The Sauna Snugg.
You can walk from Garretstown Beach, onto Garrylucas and up to the Old Head. Stop off for a sauna, then a pint at the Speckled Door.
Old Head Kinsale Golf Club
The Old Head of Kinsale golf club is maybe the most spectacular golf course in all of Ireland. If you're a golfer, it's surely on your bucket list. Speaking of buckets, bring a lot of balls. The cliffs surrounding the course are a magnet for wayward hits and have claimed countless Titleists over the years.
Our Cork local, John Dooley at Concierge Golf Ireland has the connections to get you a tee time.
Get Lost in Cork
We'll point you in the right direction, but the real adventure is when you wander off on your own. Because in Ireland, there's no such thing as a wrong turn. Just don't ask the locals for directions unless you've got time for a chat.
Have Questions?
Need help planning your trip? Got a burning Cork question? Leave a comment below or on Facebook.
