Located in County Cork, the town of Kinsale is a glistening jewel at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way. Known for its colourful buildings, foodie culture, outdoor activities, and historic attractions, this small town is bursting with things to see and do.
While only home to about 6,000 people, you’ll always find Kinsale buzzing with activities. Festivals run throughout the year and athletes flock here to take advantage of the coastline. Kinsale notably has a reputation as Ireland’s Gourmet Capital, with a diverse array of high-quality cuisine on offer.
Kinsale can be visited at any time of year. The best time for you will largely depend on what you’re looking for. Summer is always a popular time to visit thanks to the warm and sunny weather and the number of events and activities available. You can expect the Kinsale Arts Weekend in July and the Kinsale Regatta Festival in August, which has been running for over 200 years.
However, summer also brings the crowds. The shoulder seasons provide an optimal period to visit, giving you mild weather and fewer tourists. In October, Kinsale turns into a bustling and vibrant hub during the Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival, which attracts thousands of food lovers every year. Come winter, you can enjoy cosying up by a fire and savouring the local pub culture!
Sightseeing in Kinsale will take you through the town’s intriguing heritage and culture. While the town is small, it has a long and rich history that can best be discovered on a Kinsale Heritage Town Walk. Learn about Kinsale’s 800-year history from local guide Dermot Ryan, who brings the past to life with his maps and photographs.
Given Kinsale’s extensive history, it’s no surprise that ghost tours are also a popular excursion in town. Running between April and September, these tours are more funny than frightening, providing an alternative view into Kinsale’s story.
If you want to save yourself the strain of walking, why not join WeWheel for a comprehensive tour by bike? Our Guided eBike Tour of Kinsale offers some of the best sightseeing, covering the town, harbour, beaches, and major attractions in just three hours. Enjoy a comfortable ride on our top-quality bikes as well as live commentary from our expert guides!
Kinsale’s attractions abound, providing you with fascinating insight into the region. Grab a coffee from Jo’s Cafe and you’re set to explore the town, starting with the most famous attraction, Charles Fort. Overlooking the Kinsale Harbour, this star-shaped fort dates back to the 17th century and is well-preserved despite being besieged in the Williamite War and the Irish Civil War. Visiting the fort allows you to step back in time and enjoy some of the best views in Kinsale.
Across the harbour from Charles Fort is James Fort. Only accessible by foot, these ruins are a sight to behold. Signage provides more insight into its history and you can admire Charles Fort from across the harbour. You can also visit James For at sunset for some spectacular scenery.
Another popular attraction in Kinsale is the Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower. The museum is dedicated to the RMS Lusitania, which was struck by a German U-boat in 1915 and sunk off the coast of Kinsale. The Old Head Signal Tower dates back 200 years and was used to communicate messages between stations. You can climb to the top of the tower for some panoramic views and sightings of seabirds on cliffs.
At the Kinsale Regional Museum in Market Square, you can unpack more of the story of this town. The building itself is a beautiful curiosity dating back to the 1600s, with Dutch and Venetian style elements. Explore Kinsale’s maritime history, learn about the 1601 Battle of Kinsale, and discover the fascinating tale of the Kinsale Giant who stood at 8 feet tall.
Kinsale’s prime coastal position makes it one of the most popular locations for outdoor activities. Sailing, surfing, and kayaking are all on the cards here. For an adventurous exploration of the coastline, join Kinsale Sea Safari for a thrilling boat tour where you can admire the town from the water and spot wildlife.
One of the most popular activities to do in Kinsale is sailing. With Sovereign Sailing, you can charter a yacht, sign up for a sailing course, or learn the ropes on a short trip out to sea.
For a different experience, you can take a kayak out to explore coves, caves, and beaches. You can also zip up your wetsuit and learn how to surf!
If you’re not one for the water, you can find one of the most spectacular golf courses at the Old Head of Kinsale. Located on a dramatic headland, you can practise your swing while listening to the crashing waves and calls of seabirds.
Kinsale is filled with boutique stores, largely concentrated around Market Quay. At Weavers of Ireland, you can browse beautiful locally-made textiles, while at Stone Mad you can find a quirky selection of jewellery in a colourful store.
Foley’s Gift Shop has some of the best Irish souvenirs you can find, while Kinsale Silver creates beautiful Celtic pieces. For a varied collection of Irish arts and crafts, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Cronin’s Commerical Hall off Cork Street.
From camping sites to luxury hotels, there is a range of accommodation options in Kinsale to suit every budget and taste. At Garrettstown House Holiday Park, you can set up your tent or caravan on the grounds of an 18th-century manor house for a one-of-a-kind stay.
For affordable and comfortable self-catering, book yourself into the Kinsale Holiday Village. If you don’t want to worry too much about feeding yourself, The White House offers boutique rooms in the centre of town with an on-site restaurant.
There are also a number of 4-star hotels in Kinsale, from the Trident Hotel with its harbour views to the Perryville House set in an 1820s Georgian Home. Wherever you stay in Kinsale, you are in for a treat.
The city of Cork is just under an hour’s drive from Kinsale, and it’s near here that you’ll find the famed Blarney Castle. Built in the 15th century, this castle is world-renowned as the home of the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss the stone you will be granted the gift of the gab. But it’s not easy to kiss the Blarney Stone, as you have to bend over backwards and upside down to reach it!
If you want a closer attraction to visit, the Nohoval Cove 20 minutes away provides some of the most spectacular coastal scenery. This is a true hidden gem, accessible by a remote country road. When the tide is low, you can access most of the beach and take in the wild beauty.
As the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, Kinsale has no shortage of delectable places to dine, with over 50 eateries to choose from. From pubs and cafes to upmarket restaurants, Kinsale will tickle your taste buds.
For an elevated Irish pub experience, The Bulman Kinsale serves up live music, harbour views, and fresh seafood. If you’re looking for the best local coffee shop, Jo’s Cafe has your back. Dine on a delicious selection of homemade baked goods and sip on some strong coffee while soaking up the welcoming atmosphere.
You can also savour some Michelin-rated dining experiences. Saint Francis Provisions has been awarded a Bib Gourmand for serving excellent food at reasonable prices. This small restaurant has just 13 seats and a menu that changes daily, along with a selection of natural wines.
The Bastion is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Kinsale, and it offers a delectable experience like no other. With Chef Paul McDonald at the helm, you can dine on tasting menus with dishes like all the rabbit, langoustine, and Skeaghanore duck.
We hope our Kinsale travel guide has given you plenty of inspiration for your visit to this jewel in County Cork. At WeWheel, we love sharing the beauty of Ireland with locals and visitors alike, exposing you to natural wonders and historic landmarks on two wheels. You can discover this corner of Ireland with us on our Guided eBike Tour of Kinsale, or have a look at our tours across the island in Dingle. If you have any questions about our excursions, feel free to contact us!