Originally a medieval fishing port, the coastal enclave of Kinsale (from the Irish, Ceann tSaile – ‘Head of the Sea’) is fabled far and wide for its beauty and rich history. Recently hailed by Conde Nast as one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns, it consistently punches above its weight.
Kinsale is just 25km from Cork City and Cork International Airport, and is the gateway to scenic ‘West Cork’ and the start/finish point of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way,’ the 2,500km coastal journey from Kinsale, Co Cork to Inishowen, Co Donegal.
Visitors to Kinsale are captivated by its spectacular waterfront setting and mediaeval influences. Brightly coloured buildings vie for attention with the glorious harbour which sustains the town.
The impressive fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort guard the narrow entrance from the sea – giving clues to its rich history.
Twinned with Newport, Rhode Island, Antibes, South of France and Mumbles, Wales, it is in good company and well placed to be referred to as ‘Ireland’s Riveria’!
The harbour, festooned with yachts bobbing gently with the changing tides and conditions. All things aquatic are embraced by the people of Kinsale and visitors alike.
Kinsale’s accessibility to the water makes it a popular marine activities hub with deep sea angling, scuba diving, boat hire, fishing, kayaking, climbing and abseiling – appealing to adventurers of all ages.
There are also very unique experiences that you can take part in on the land, to satisfy body and mind. Families, couples, friends and corporate groups all make their way here to embrace the many exciting and relaxing options. There’s fun for everyone here!
For decades, Kinsale has attracted a plethora of talented artists and innovative entrepreneurs. This is reflected in the stunning boutique stores, cute and creative design shops and endless galleries and bookstores.
Not only is Kinsale one of the most picturesque and oldest towns in Ireland, it is also internationally renowned for the number and quality of its famous eateries. It has been hailed as ‘The Gourmet Capital of Ireland’, with no shortage of cafés, pubs and restaurants to suit every taste and budget.
Aside from the aesthetic beauty of the town, Kinsale has a long standing reputation as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland. With over 50 eateries, Kinsale is a must visit for foodie lovers. Our local producers serve the finest, freshest food and drink to enthusiastic visitors. Traditional and fusion food combine beautifully, embracing the old and the new. All tastes and budgets are catered for.
However active or relaxed you wish to be on your staycation, holiday or mini-break, Kinsale offers you a world of choice and allows you to take things at your own pace.
Whether it is your first or 50th visit to Kinsale, you will be sure to find something new and surprising. We look forward to welcoming you!
Kinsale has been a centre of population, trade and fishing for centuries. The combined attractions of a sheltered harbour, fertile land and abundant fisheries were not lost on the invading Anglo-Normans who, in the 13th Century, displaced the local Irish to establish control and create a medieval walled town on the shoreline. They forged trade links with England and Europe and became prominent in the wine trade. By the time Kinsale was granted its royal charter in 1333, it was already a thriving town and port.
The famous ‘Battle of Kinsale’ in 1601 saw the area become inhabited with the armies of England, Spain and the Northern Irish Chieftains in contention. It was a turning point in Irish history as the Irish forces and their Spanish allies were defeated and the result, effectively, was the decline of the old Gaelic way of life in Ireland with the breakdown of the power of the Chieftains and Clans.
Though victorious, England was alarmed by the successful landing of the Spanish on their western flank and this led to the building of James Fort and later Charles Fort at the mouth of the harbour. Following the establishment of the Forts, Kinsale remained a garrison town and port of consequence for over 300 years, leaving a legacy of Georgian and Victorian architecture. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Kinsale was also an important naval base and ships were built here using timbers from the surrounding oak forests.
The rapid growth in population from the 1500’s combined with increased trade and commerce led to a local quandary. Space for new housing was in short supply so the radical effort to reclaim some land from the harbour was undertaken from the 16th century. The central, low lying part of Kinsale town is predominantly reclaimed land from the sea.
On May 7th 1915 RMS Lusitania was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Kinsale causing the deaths of 1,198 passengers off the coast of Kinsale. The official inquest was held in the Kinsale Courthouse / Town Hall which is now a Museum. The Signal Tower at the Old Head of Kinsale commemorates the lives of all passengers both lost and saved in this monumental tragedy.
From the beginning of the 20th century, Kinsale’s economy declined and many of its fine houses and buildings became derelict. However all was not lost – the story of the transformation of Kinsale from a rundown and jaded town, into a charming and prosperous one is a story of foresight, co-operation, but above all civic determination that began in the 1960’s and continues today. The establishment of the ‘Good Food Circle’ – a co-operation started between just two restaurants that grew to include a number of quality eateries – put Kinsale on the map. Kinsale’s Good Food Circle hosts the annual Gourmet Festival in October which is a must for food lovers.
Following the success of the restaurants, issued in the revival of Kinsale’s history in the arts and crafts guilds. Pottery, silver, gold and glassware are all manufactured locally while the other artistic fields of sculpture, painting in all media, ceramics, woodturning and photography are well represented by inspired local artists. The annual Kinsale Arts Festival has grown from strength to strength in the past decade, attracting a number of international and national visitors to enjoy the exciting programme that has huge local support.
Quality accommodation, award-winning restaurants, unique shopping experiences, cafes and bars, together with the growing choice of leisure activities add to the attractions of Kinsale, a town that has cemented its place as a must-visit tourist destination and a sought-after place in which to work and live.
