Kinsale is a traditional commercial port with two fully serviced marinas and is home to a prospering fishing fleet. It's also popular for harbour cruises, whale and dolphin watching, windsurfing as well as a variety of watersports.
A historic town with a wealth of Georgian and Victorian architecture, the best known historical attraction in Kinsale has to be Charles Fort, a 17th century star shaped fort. This attraction is open all year and guided tours are available. Across the harbour from Charles Fort is James Fort. The purpose of these forts was to guard the narrow harbour entrance. James Fort is actually the older of the two with construction beginning in 1602.
Other notable attractions include St Multose Church, The Church of St. John the Baptist, the Old Courthouse and Regional Museum, the Almshouses, Desmond Castle International Museum of Wine and staying on the alcohol theme a visit to Kinsale Brewing Company should definitely be on the cards.
There's a wide choice of traditional Irish pubs, craft shops, galleries, quaint colourful shops, gourmet restaurants and cafés as you wander around Kinsale's maze of narrow winding streets, and you're never too far from the water.
The town hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year. Another plus is that it's only about a 30-minute drive from Cork city and it's also the gateway to the breathtaking West Cork region.
Whatever brings you to this beautiful harbour town, you'll definitely want to come back to Kinsale again. Book a
Cork hotel and accommodation all over Ireland with GoIreland.com.
Helen Kelly writes for the travel website GoIreland.com.
