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Historic walk of Kinsale with Don or Barry

Set around a sheltered bay, Kinsale is a pretty little town of winding streets and brightly painted houses. It was once an important maritime hub and is guarded by two enormous forts that protect the entrance to the bay. Its strategic position means it has a formidable history with links to both Robinson Crusoe and the Spanish Armada, as well as the ill-fated Lusitania.

The town's history is revealed on a highly engaging walking tour with Don Herlihy or Barry Moloney, two of Kinsale's most famous guides. Their depth of local knowledge and humorous approach make the walk a highlight for many visitors to the town.

The tour begins from Kinsale Tourist Office, where either Don or Barry will meet you to begin your walk. The walk can be taken on a private or shared basis and lasts about an hour, depending on how many questions you ask along the way. You're led in inimitable fashion around the central streets of Kinsale, with Don or Barry stopping regularly to deliver a lively interpretation of the town’s history.

Through your guide's enthusiastic and entertaining patter you learn about Kinsale's past, from its origins as a modest fishing village to medieval walled town, ship-building hub and modern-day 'Gourmet Capital of Ireland'.

Kinsale sits on the estuary of the River Bandon. As you pass the waterfront, which teems with fishing boats and yachts, your guide points out the hilltop James Fort and the immense, star-shaped Charles Fort which were built to defend the town and ensure Kinsale's place as a global trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries — a time when a pound of cloves fetched two heads of cattle.

In 1601 Kinsale became a flashpoint in the fight between the British and the old Gaelic lords. A fleet from the Spanish Armada arrived to assist the Irish and a lengthy siege and battle ensued. Their defeat at the Battle of Kinsale led to the flight of many of the Gaelic lords and the end to the old system of rule in Ireland.

Barry or Don will go on to explain how Kinsale became a significant ship-building port in the 18th century and how many ships left here on privateering missions around the world. On one of these sailed Alexander Selkirk, who was later stranded on an uninhabited island in the South Pacific for four years, inadvertently inspiring the tale of Robinson Crusoe.

Finally you hear about how, in 1915, the Lusitania was torpedoed and sunk off the coast of Kinsale, resulting in the death of almost 1,200 passengers. Your guide also tells you about how the townspeople rushed to help in the rescue mission that ensued.

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Barry Moloney's walking tour of... - Don & Barry's Historic Stroll in Old Kinsale

• Europe    
• Ireland    
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• Kinsale - Things to Do    
• Don & Barry's Historic Stroll in Old Kinsale

Our walk with Barry was one of the favorite things we did on our trip. His knowledge of history and... read more

FANTASTIC!! Barry is a marvelous guide. The highlight of my three days in Kinsale. Nothing more to... read more

Barry Moloney's walking tour of Kinsale, Ireland

Kinsale is a history-rich town and Barry Moloney was an excellent tour guide. We very much enjoyed his tour! You should take this tour if you visit Kinsale.

This is not for everyone, nor is it a walking tour. It's an in-depth history lesson that happens to take place outside. Don is incredibly knowledgeable, personable and a great teacher. If you want to spend 75-90 minutes listening to a very detailed history of the region then you'll likely love this. We were hoping for more of a walk with interactions and questions, rather than a lecture.

First I would like to say, Kinsale is a must see and stay for at least one night. The beautiful little seaside town offers wonderful pubs and food and very friendly people. Secondly, the walking tour is absolutely amazing, it offers up some "what if's" in the history of both Ireland and England, but the United States as well. Barry is a wonderful tour guide and very well versed in the history of Ireland as well as KInsale and its role in history. The tour is a must do for history buffs.

We are in our seventies and spending the first week of our honeymoon in Kinsale. We wanted to begin with a tour of the town. Barry's 90 minute tour was just the thing. It was low exertion and had the perfect mix of history and humor.

We love walking tours as a way to learn about a place, and this is one of the best we have taken. Barry had an engaging way of conveying history through enchanting story telling. Kinsale has a wonderful and long history and this tour was a great way to learn it as we explored this charming town. We felt as though we had a serious history lesson without any of the hard work.

Having never been to this city in Ireland we were happy to find a historic tour of Kindale. Barry was entertaining as he delved into the history of Kinsale. Walking was at an easy pace and very informative while also being fun. Highly recommend.

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• History and heritage
• Walking and hiking

Kinsale Heritage Town Walk takes visitors on a journey through the beautiful town of Kinsale, County Cork, with guide Dermot Ryan, a hidden gem in his own right. His deep knowledge and entertaining stories will captivate you and bring the past to life.

Dermot, a native of Kinsale, has been guiding since 1966. He uses a selection of photographs and old maps to reveal the hidden layers of Kinsale's 800 year old history. Dermot's speciality is in finding connections to Kinsale, wherever you hail from, he will find a Kinsale connection.

• Your guide, Dermot Ryan, is entertaining and highly knowledgeable and has been called one of the best tour guides in Ireland.
• This "illustrated walk" uses old photographs and maps to bring the 800-year history to life.

Ask to see Dermot's vast array of old photos of Kinsale.

We recommend 1 hour here.

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Walking Tour of Kinsale

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Walking Tour of Kinsale With ‘Historic Stroll Kinsale’

Kinsale in County Cork is one of the most picturesque and popular resorts of the south-west coast of Ireland and a great way to explore it is by taking a guided walking tour of the town.

Book with us a guided walking tour of Kinsale by ‘Historic Stroll Kinsale’ – their guides will give your group a colourful story and fun insight into the history of Kinsale, down the ages from medieval walled town to the sinking of the Lusitania in the 1 st  World War.

If your group is coming by coach, the guide will hop on board first to take them on a 20 minutes trip to the outer harbour to enjoy panoramic views of Kinsale harbour from above – followed by a guided walking tour of the town.

Running Times

Private group tours all year - subject to availability

Notes for Group Leaders

Max group size is 40 pax - for larger groups a 2nd guide will be required.

Tour Duration

90 minutes approximately

Meeting Point

Kinsale Tourist Office, Pier Road, Kinsale, Co. Cork

Approximately 30 minutes drive from Cork City.

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19 Best Things to do in Kinsale (Food Tours, Forts, Lively Pubs And Walks)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

There’s some mighty things to do in Kinsale, despite what Instagram would lead you to believe.

The 9,000,000 photos of ‘that’ colourful Kinsale street leads many to think that it’s all the town has to offer, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

From glorious coastal walks and an often missed beach to historical sites, exceptional food and trad bars, there’s plenty of places to visit in Kinsale, as you’ll discover below.

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Kinsale

Click to enlarge map

The first section of this guide tackles what we think are the best things to do in Kinsale, from walks and coffee to food and forts.

Below, you’ll find everything from the brilliant Charles Fort and the mighty Scilly Walk to some fine spots for a feed.

1. Grab a coffee and see the towns streets

Photos via Shutterstock

Right, before we look at what to do in Kinsale, it’s time to fuel up with a splash of caffine (if you want to, of course).

Some of our go-to cafes in Kinsale are The Flying Poet , Cosy Cafe and O’Herlihys . When you’re fuelled up, head off in the direction of Market Street ( here on Google Maps). 

This street is the one that Kinsale is arguably best known for, however, you’ll discover many colourful corners when you go exploring from here.

2. Then take a spin to Kinsale Beach

Photo left: © MediaProduction via Canva. Other: Google Maps

Often referred to as ‘ Dock Beach ’ and ‘Castlepark Beach’, Kinsale Beach is a handy 3km spin from the centre of Kinsale.

Although it’s one of the lesser-known beaches in Cork , it’s small and sheltered, and the sand here is grand for a ramble.

The main issue here can be parking – there’s not much of it. And as a visit here is one of the more popular things to do in Kinsale when the weathers fine, it can be tricky to get a spot.

If you want to avoid the hassle, grab a taxi from the town and get their number so you can arrange a lift back.

If you’re wondering what to do in Kinsale that’ll take you away from the hustle and bustle for a while, get yourself here.

3. Or ditch the car and head off on the Scilly Walk

I’d argue that the Scilly Walk in Kinsale is up there with the best walks in Cork . This is a roughly 6km round trip that starts in the town and that takes you out to Charles Fort.

It’s a relatively handy walk and should take you between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on 1, how many times you stop to soak up the views and 2, if you go out as far as Charles Fort.

Here’s a full guide to the walk with info on where to start it and what to look out for on the way. This is one of the more popular things to do in Kinsale for good reason.

4. And extend the ramble to include Charles Fort

You’ll regularly see a visit to Charles Fort topping guides to the best things to do in Kinsale. It’s well worth a visit, even if history doesn’t tickle your fancy.

Myself and the aul lad visited Charles Fort last summer while doing the Scilly Walk. You can extend the walk to take in the Fort, and it’s a great detour.

We went in, had a float around, soaked up the history and grabbed a coffee from the little cafe in the courtyard area. I’ve been recommending it to people ever since.

Charles Fort is a late 17th-century star-shaped fort that was designed by the same fella (William Robinson) that designed the Royal Hospital in Dublin.

Interestingly enough, the fort here is linked to a number of significant events in Irish history, the most significant of which was the Williamite War 1689-91 and the Civil War 1922-23.

5. And then grab a bite to eat in the Bulman on your way back

Photos via the Bullman on FB

Around 6 minutes after leaving Charles Fort on your way back into Kinsale, you’ll see the big, bright orange exterior of the Bulman.

Arguably one of the best pubs in Kinsale , the Bulman is a great little spot for sunny afternoon pints. It’s also a fine place for a feed.

There’s a good mix of food on offer at the Bulman, from locally caught fish to hearty pub-grub favourites.

Related read:  Check out our guide to the best hotels in Kinsale and our guide to the best B&Bs in Kinsale .

6. Nip inside Kinsale Museum

Photos via Kinsale Museum on FB

If you’re looking for things to do in Kinsale when it’s raining, this next place will keep you dry and amused for an hour or two.

You’ll find the Kinsale Museum inside the town’s courthouse, which was built around 1600. Inside you’ll discover a very interesting array of artifacts.

There’s everything from boots once owned by Patrick Cotter O’Brien (a chap known as the ‘Kinsale Giant’) to an anchor from one of the Spanish Armada ships on show.

7. Set off on the Old Head of Kinsale loop walk

Next up is the magnificent Old Head. A walk here is, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in Cork when the weathers decent!

Those that head for a stroll here can stretch the legs while soaking up a chunk of Cork’s gorgeous coastline.

The Old Head of Kinsale walk is a handy 6 km loop walk that shouldn’t take you any longer that an hour and a half.

The Old Head of Kinsale is a beautiful, narrow promontory that juts into the Atlantic Ocean and rises hundreds of feet above the sea. Expect lovely coastal views throughout.

8. Ramble along one of the many beaches near Kinsale

There are a heap of beaches near Kinsale that are well worth a visit and that often get missed by those visiting the area.

If you don’t fancy heading too far, visit Kinsale Beach (mentioned above). Sandycove Beach (8-minute drive) and Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach (16-minute drive) are arguably two of the best.

However, Coolmain Beach (20-minute drive) and Garretstown Beach (15-minute drive) are both well worth a visit if you’re looking for natural attractions near Kinsale to explore.

9. Take a walking tour with a local

One of the best ways to explore a new place is, in my opinion, to take a walking tour with a local. You tend to learn more about the place and you often discover stories that rarely make it to tourist guides.

If you’re looking for things to do in Kinsale on foot, head off on a tour with Kinsale Heritage Town Walks . These lads will help you explore this gorgeous little town from top to bottom.

The tours are run by a chap named Dermot Ryan. Now, this lad isn’t any regular old tour guide – Dermot has been giving tours since 1966 and he was also rated the best guide in Ireland by the Irish Independent.

10. Make your belly happy on a food tour

Photos via Man Friday on Instagram

If you don’t fancy going solo and nipping into one of the  many  great Kinsale restaurants (like Man Friday – see photos above!), then take a guided foodie tour of the town with these lads .

The ‘Town Walking Food Tour’ is, according to the guides, ‘like a walking food trail which takes you to a selection of different eateries’.

Those that head off on this tour will wander through the streets of Kinsale an experienced guide, hearing stories and trying a tasty selection of local treats.

11. Take a tour of the Kinsale Mead Co.

Next up is one of the more unique things to do in Kinsale – a tour of the Kinsale Mead Co. Now, if you’re wondering, ‘What in the …. is Mead’, you’re probably not alone.

Mead is the world’s oldest alcoholic drink and you’ll also often hear it called ‘honey wine’ or ‘honeymoon wine’. Those that opt to do the tour of the Kinsale Mead Co. can expect:

• Insights into Kinsale Meads
• The story and evolution of Mead through the centuries
• How Ireland’s Bee Laws protected the bees (you’ll also get to taste three unique raw honeys)
• How mead is made
• You’ll also get to sample award-winning meads along with a seasonal cocktail

12. Get spooked on the Kinsale ghost tour

If you’re looking for very unique things to do in Kinsale, join guide Brian O’Neill on what’s described as ‘an exciting crazy Ghost Tour of fun and excitement for all’.

Now, although I’ve heard a lot of great things about this tour (Brian is supposed to be a brilliant guide!) I can only find a tiny bit of info online about it.

The tour kicks off during the summer from the Tap Tavern at 21:00 and it’s said to go on for about an hour and fifteen minutes. There’s a number to call here if you want to book in.

Note:  I couldn’t find a photo of the ghost tour, so I’ve popped in another shot from the town.

13. Have a nosey around James Fort

If you’re not familiar with James Fort, it’s an early 17th-century pentagonal bastion fort that you’ll find finely plonked on the Castlepark peninsula in the beautiful harbour of Kinsale.

James Fort was constructed in 1607 with the primary objective of defending Kinsale harbour. Those that visit can soak up a heap of history while also grabbing some mighty views of the town, the harbour and nearby Charles Fort.

The fort here isn’t anywhere near as well preserved as Charles Fort, but it’s worth visiting. You can also get a decent view of Charles Fort from here as it’s located directly across the harbour.

Things to do near Kinsale

So, you’ve ticked off the many things to do in Kinsale and you’re in search of things to do near Kinsale. Well, you’re in luck – there’s loads of places to visit nearby.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Kinsale (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Cork City (30-minute drive)

If you’re looking for things to do near Kinsale, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Cork City.

There’s an endless number of things to do in Cork City to keep you busy, and it’s a handy spin away.

2. Clonakilty (45-minute drive)

Similar to the City, there’s heaps of things to do in Clonakilty , from the brilliant Inchydoney Beach to several indoor attractions for when it’s raining, it’s worth taking a spin to this buzz little town. 

3. Cobh (1 hour drive)

At around an hours drive from Kinsale, Cobh is also worth spinning out to.

There’s lots of things to do in Cobh and it’s home to some great, unique places to visit, like Spike Island .

What to do in Kinsale: Where have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant things to see in Kinsale from the guide above.

If you have any Kinsale attractions that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about the best places to visit in Kinsale

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What to do in Kinsale when it rains?’ to ‘What are some unique things to do in Kinsale?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best things to do in Kinsale?

I’d argue that the best things to do in Kinsale are to head off on the Scilly Walk, grab food in one of the many restaurants in the town, visit Charles Fort and to sample the pubs scene.

What Kinsale attractions are often missed by those visiting?

The Kinsale Mead Tour, the Kinsale Museum and some of the tours mentioned above tend to be missed a fair bit.

Are there many things to do near Kinsale?

Yes! You’ve everything from beaches and walks to Cork City, Cobh and much, much more nearby.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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laura nagle smith

Wednesday 22nd of November 2023

best time of my life! thank you so so so much for your recommendation!

Susan Burton

Friday 11th of March 2022

Great information. Thank you so much!

Kate McCarthy

Monday 21st of February 2022

I live in Kinsale and I have to say that I agree with your recommendations 100%!

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Guide to Kinsale

Discover for yourself why Kinsale in County Cork is one of Ireland's top destinations.

Brimming with energy and creativity, and boasting a top-notch culinary scene, there’s a good reason that Kinsale in County Cork is one of the most popular destinations on the island of Ireland

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Community… It’s a word you hear a lot in Kinsale. Talk to locals in shops, pubs and restaurants and they’ll all mention it… how it’s a place where people help each other out, connect with and support each other.

“One of the greatest things about Kinsale is the sense of community,” says Sarah Ward-Hendry of leather shop Ruxx . Sarah was attracted by the lifestyle in the town, a place where her mum was already living, and opened a store selling handcrafted Irish leather bags and accessories here in 2010.

“I feel privileged to be a business owner in Kinsale. The enthusiasm for creativity and quality here amongst fellow business owners has given the town a strong identity.”

Sarah Ward-Henry, Ruxx

Barbara Nealon of Saint Francis Provisions – a jewellery-box sized Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant agrees. “We’ve always been so well supported by this community,” she notes. “Something I hear said a lot here is that ‘a rising tide lifts all the boats’, and I think that’s very appropriate to Kinsale.”

Kinsale, County Cork

L-R: Francis and Vanessa Keane, Koko Kinsale; leather purses at Ruxx; Nora Magyar, Mamukko; woollen goods at Granny’s Bottom Drawer

A great community spirit may not be the whole reason why Kinsale – a picturesque harbour town in West Cork  at the start of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way  – is thriving but it’s certainly one of them.

Stroll the narrow streets lined with colour-splashed shops, and you quickly get a sense of the strong local and creative focus that shop owners here refer to. There are high-end candles at La Bougie ; upscale homewares and fancy knits at Granny’s Bottom Drawer ; gourmet chocolates at Koko ; and bags galore at Kinsale Leather , Ruxx and Mamukko . It’s this mash up of unpretentious and arty, homespun and super-chic that makes Kinsale such a magnetic destination.

Kinsale Harbour

A great craft and shopping scene has helped make Kinsale a hotspot with both visiting weekenders and property-purchasing millionaires (a quick glance at local house prices will tell you all you need to know about Kinsale’s desirability). But there are plenty of other reasons why it’s one of the go-to destinations on the island of Ireland.

There’s the beauty of its location on the estuary of the River Bandon – a short drive to showstopping locations such as the Old Head of Kinsale . There’s the cosmopolitan outlook of its people, a rich cultural life (the excellent new library being a great example of this) and a food scene that some argue is unrivaled in Ireland.

There’s also an incredible sense of history. It’s there in the old stone cottages and the medieval street layout, but it’s also there in more prominent buildings, from the ashy-coloured stones of Desmond Castle , which dates to about 1500, to the 800-year-old St Multose Church, one of the oldest standing churches in Ireland.

Barry Moloney, Historic Stroll Kinsale Walking Tour

Kinsale Museum

Peeling back the layers of history upon which modern Kinsale is stacked is all part of the fun, and a good starting point for every visit is a walking tour – one of the most popular being with the affable and loquacious Barry Moloney.

Barry runs the Historic Stroll Kinsale Walking Tour , which kicks off daily at 11am in front of the Tourist Office. Directly across the street from here – just a stone’s throw from the sheltered harbour where fancy yachts bob beside weathered, net-strewn fishing boats – is the restored Fish Shed. It’s a gentle reminder of the town’s origins as a centre for trade and fishing, and was once used by local wives and daughters to sell local catch.

If you’re not familiar with Kinsale’s history, then you’ll be an expert by the time the tour finishes. One of the more interesting stops on the 90-minute walk is the tiny Market Square, home to the distinctive Kinsale Museum. Clad in Kinsale’s trademark grey slate tiles, the building dates back to the 1590s with an elegant Dutch-style façade that was added in the 1700s.

It now houses a small but notable collection of historical artefacts, but in the early 20th century it served as Kinsale’s courthouse and was the location of the inquest into the sinking of the Lusitania, which was torpedoed off the County Cork coastline in 1915.

“Captain William Turner had an emotional breakdown in the stand here as he described what had taken place,” Barry explains. “The ship completely disappeared in less than 20 minutes; she sank so quickly that 1,200 lives were lost of the 2,000 on board.”

It’s a stark reminder of Kinsale’s close and often fractious relationship with the sea. Indeed, one of the most momentous events in Irish history saw a Spanish fleet invade the seaport in 1601 in what is known as the Battle of Kinsale. Today, the balmy sway of luxury boats in the harbour feel a million miles away, but as Moloney notes, the perils of the sea are merely feet away, and the main square only a few years ago was severely flooded in a storm.

L-R: Charles Fort; Jack Crosbie, The Bulman Bar; view of Kinsale Harbour; The Spaniard

A walking tour of the town is a great starting point, but stretching your legs a little further will reward you with a deeper dive into life in Kinsale. Head along the Lower Road and up the hill, and you’ll find yourself on the Scilly Walk, which skirts what is known locally as “Millionaire’s Row”.

Here, grand old mansions mix with modern architectural creations overlooking the shimmering water of the bay. The walk is about 6km in length, with great pubs such as Man Friday , The Spaniard and The Bulman  (one of Kinsale’s most famous) along the way. It reaches right out to Charles Fort, a star-shaped military fortress that dates to the late 17th century, and serves up incredible views of Kinsale Harbour.

Kinsale Wellness on Water

Brian Roberts and Alfie, Kinsale Wellness on Water

And it’s this harbour – with its green waters cradled by tree-strewn hills – that gives the town an almost St Tropez-like feel. In summer, chichi crowds pile in on yachts bringing a buzzy vibe to town, but even if you don’t have your own boat, you can enjoy Kinsale from the water on a tour.

One of the best is Kinsale Wellness on Water . The simple boat is captained by Brian Roberts, who once worked in the merchant navy and who will regale you will stories of mega-mansions, Hollywood celebrities, old forts and older shipwrecks.

Brian Roberts and Alfie

As you chug slowly out of Kinsale Harbour, the beauty of the local area opens up – herons stand on spindly legs on the river bank, seals raise curious heads and the waters of the river ripple in the soft breeze. It’s a gorgeous way to spend a few hours, and Brian and his second mate, Alfie the dog, are both great company.

As well as a spot of mackerel fishing, Brian is also a great man for tips on local hotspots, from Man Friday where his friend Daniel serves up great local oysters to The Dock Bar on Castlepark Marina, where the locals like to hang out. “I love what I do and I’m the only guy that does this kind of tour on the river,” he explains. “The quality of life in Kinsale is just magnificent. You’ve got it all here.”

Varun Ganguly, The Post House

Prim's Bookshop

Walking around town, it’s hard to disagree. Kinsale’s is known as the “gourmet capital of Ireland” – a status that has been years in the making – and today you’re unlikely to find another town on the island of Ireland that boasts such a wide range of quality restaurants in such a small space.

There’s the fine-dining Michelin-starred Bastion , the long-running seafood favourite of Fishy Fishy Café , and the award-winning organically focused wine bar, The Black Pig . And that’s just for starters. You can breakfast in lively little coffee shops such as The Collector , with its collection of hip objects, and sip wine in the evening while watching a gig at Prim’s Bookshop .

L-R: Barbara Nealon and chef Rebeca Recarey Sanchez, Saint Francis Provisions; Saint Francis Provisions interior; Fishy Fishy; Bastion

Saint Francis Provisions is easily one of the buzziest spots in town, and it’s worth booking ahead to secure a table. At night, it twinkles with candlelight and hums with chat, creating a relaxed backdrop for a menu that mixes great local produce with international flavours: think local oysters with XO sauce, mackerel with endive, roasted delicata squash with burrata and brown butter-dressed cavolo nero.

“What drew me to Cork and Kinsale were the growers and the producers,” says owner Barbara Nealon. “The county is a hub of cheese, of charcuterie, with all these amazing growers. It’s a beautiful, fertile place with a food culture that’s connected at the source.”

That commitment to local ingredients and provenance is reflected on menus throughout town (“There’s a restaurant to suit every budget and taste in Kinsale,” says Barbara), so look for Gubbeen salamis, Oysterhaven oysters and locally caught lobster on menus. Even the pubs give a nod to local flavours, with stalwarts such as Jim Edwards serving up seafood classics such as chowder and oysters.

Kate Dempsey, Kinsale Mead Co.

Kinsale Mead Co.

Kinsale’s gourmet reputation doesn’t just stop at food either, with Blacks of Kinsale among a number of popular local beers. A short walk out of town at the back of a fairly functional industrial estate, you’ll also find one of the town’s more unusual offerings – Kinsale Mead Co.

Inspired by a visit to the Hill of Tara, where once stood the Great Mead Hall of Tara, Kate and Denis Dempsey opened what is Ireland first meadery in over 200 years. The tour here brings you through the history of mead in Ireland, along with tastings of honey and mead, and an explanation of the distilling process.

“Mead’s origins are several thousand years old. It’s currently considered the oldest alcohol humans have ever made,” explains Denis. “They have carbon-dated rice and honey in China back to about 6500BC, so it’s a very ancient drink. But in Ireland, it dates back to about the 5th century.”

Determined to bring it into the 21st century while respecting the drink’s origins, the Dempseys have done a nifty job of challenging perceptions about mead with blended cocktails and modern flavours – don’t be surprised if you end up buying a bottle, or two.

Old Head of Kinsale © Tourism Ireland

There are few better ways to appreciate the glorious landscape that surrounds Kinsale than with a drive out to the Old Head of Kinsale. Hedgerow-lined roads twist and twirl offering shockingly beautiful glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean as you head up close to the tip of this peninsula (the very tip is occupied by the Kinsale Golf Club).

Jagged cliffs plummet into the churning ocean and are topped by a flat plateau of green that sweeps out to the Old Head of Kinsale lighthouse. While you can’t walk all the way out to the tip, you can walk some of the way there, and even if you’re driving it’s worth getting out to stretch the legs and take in the surroundings.

The peninsula is also home to the Lusitania Museum , a small but interesting exhibition that details the tragic sinking of the ship off the County Cork coast.

Kinsale Beach © Tourism Ireland

Finally, sea swimmers are well served in this part of Ireland. A short drive (or long walk) from the town is the popular Kinsale Beach, which is accessed down a narrow lane. Swimmers flock here on weekends and it gets especially busy in summer, but the waters are clear and the views beautiful.

More serious sea swimmers should head to Sandycove, where locals swim out to and around the little island here. On sunny days, it’s a little piece of heaven.

Perryville House © Perryville House

Given that Kinsale is such a popular destination, it’s a good idea to plan your visit well in advance, especially in the summer months. Autumn is a particularly lovely time to go, with the Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival , the Kinsale Literary Festival and the Kinsale Jazz Festival all big draws.

Acton’s and the Trident are two popular hotels that are long-standing favourites. The Blue Haven has a great location in the centre of town, and boasts a critically acclaimed restaurant Rare, which makes it popular with foodies. For an upscale take, try Perryville House , a luxurious 34-room guesthouse-style hotel with a small but elegant garden.

Or for a more private experience, try the Giles Norman Townhouse which takes self-catering up a level with beautiful rooms adorned with works from Norman, a well-known local photographer. As the night draws in, you might just find yourself envying the folks who get to call this vibrant town home. But there’s always the next visit to look forward to.

Where do you want to go?

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…

Kinsale Nature and Maritime Walking Tour

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KINSALE NATURE AND MARITIME WALKING TOUR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Walking Tours in Kinsale

Effectively a miniscule suburb across the harbor from Kinsale, the village of Scilly—yes, pronounced “silly”—clings to a strong sense of its own identity. Its unusual name is thought to hark back to fishermen from the Scilly Isles (off the coast of Cornwall, England) who settled here during the 17th century.

To explore the area, follow the signposted pedestrian path that runs along the sea from Scilly to Charles Fort. (You can pick up maps of the full route at the Kinsale tourism office.) Take the right-hand road around the village, skirting along the coast, and join the marked pedestrian trail by the waterside. Along here are lovely views across the harbor to Kinsale and the stout remains of James Fort .

You’ll pass another tiny hamlet on the outskirts of Kinsale, Summer Cove , which is as sweet a place as its halcyon name suggests. Black-and-white toy-town houses, with splashes of green and red, face the harbor as gulls circle overhead and the waves froth and bubble along the harbor walls.

A short walk uphill from Summer Cove lies Charles Fort , built to defend the port from foreign invaders. Local lore has it that until the 19th century, access to this stretch of water was controlled by a massive chain floating on timber kegs between the two shores that could be drawn tight at a moment’s notice.

The Scilly Walk ends here, but if you continue to walk south along the sea, you’ll find another path that follows the headland to the tip of Frower Point , which affords great views across the harbor to the Old Head of Kinsale. The total distance from Kinsale to Frower Point is 8km (5 miles) each way, and every part of it is rewarding.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Top 9 Things To Do & See in Kinsale, Ireland

Last Updated: Apr 28, 2019

Kinsale, located in southwestern Ireland, is one of those seaside towns that should be on your itinerary.

It’s a colorful place, with cobblestone streets and red and blue boats bobbing in the harbor.

Despite the fact that it has a certain “upscale” aura about it, Kinsale is still very much a fishing town at heart.

There is fine dining, but also awesome pub food.

After all this is County Cork — Ireland’s food mecca!

And, there is a lot of history to Kinsale. A major battle took place in 1601 that pitted the English against Irish/Spanish forces.

The English won that battle. But, we all know the Irish eventually won the war for independence.

Having made a recent trip, I will say that it has become more touristed and can get quite busy.

That being said, it’s still a wonderful place to spend a few days.

I might simply suggest that it will be quieter out of the high tourist season — and it might be nicer if you’re seeking more authentic connections.

So what are the best things to do in Kinsale?

Kinsale and its harbor.

Charles Fort

Do NOT leave Kinsale without visiting this historical site.

Even if you’re not a fan of history (this disappoints me) go for the views.

This fort — located just beyond Summercove — is one of the best examples of of a 17th century star-shaped fort that remains intact.

In fact, much of what was built in 1678 is still in existence.

It’s way cool!

There are two enormous bastions overlooking the water and three that face inland.

Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most memorable events of Irish history.

The most significant of these are the Williamite War (1689-91) and the Civil War (1922-23).

The fort is open year round and the entrance fee is €5 for adults.

Take the free guided tour which is included with your entrance fee. These are wonderful and incredibly informative!

And don’t forget your camera because the views are fabulous.

Charles Fort might be the best thing to do in Kinsale…beside eat!

For more information on Charles Fort, check this out.

Charles Fort is a must for your time in Kinsale.

The views of Kinsale Harbor from Charles Fort are stunning!

Spend some time in Summercove

Summercove is a kind of Kinsale “annex” that is located just below Charles Fort and across the water from Kinsale.

The best way to get here is to walk from Kinsale along a well marked paved trail that takes you around the harbor then climbs up a bit.

Again don’t forget your camera as you’ll get some marvelous views.

And it’s a great spot to stop after a visit to the fort.

Sit outside at the Bulman Bar  and have a pint and watch the world go by.

This was taken from the trail to Summercove. You get fabulous views of Kinsale and the harbor.

Old Head Golf Links

If golf is your sport, then the Old Head is the place for you.

It’s one of the classic courses in the Republic of Ireland.

You must make reservations far in advance and it will set you back €200 to €350 for 18 holes in 2019.

But it’s well worth the price for the views alone.

This gorgeous links course, which is built on 220-acres, juts out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s almost an island!

Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views.

It’s truly a spectacular setting and worth the price for this luxurious golfing experience.

And the bonus? You’ll also get up close and personal to the Old Head Lighthouse that sits at the headland that is part of the golf course.

The Old Head Lighthouse that sits out at the edge of the Old Head Golf Links. Playing a round at the course will give you better views of this lighthouse!

Fishy Fishy Cafe

One of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Ireland, Fishy Fishy Cafe  is a must for your time in Kinsale.

The seafood is fresh and the atmosphere is festive.

Reservations are highly recommended for this popular eating establishment, especially in high season.

Martin and Marie Shanahan are the husband and wife team that run this fabulous establishment and they’ve even created a cookbook of some of their favorite recipes.

These are folks that know the fishermen that are bringing in the freshest and finest fish and seafood.

So I can guarantee you’ll have some of the freshest food in Ireland.

The streets of Kinsale are a joy to wander around.

Poet’s Corner

What a wonderful spot for coffee or tea and a treat.

Or you can have a bit of breakfast or lunch.

And if you love books, then you definitely want to spend some time here.

I arrived on a rainy morning, having driven from Schull so some hot tea and a gluten free treat were just what I needed.

Poet’s Corner is warm and inviting and, I must admit, these were some of the best gluten free treats I’ve ever had!

After I finished stuffing my face and warming up with some good tea I browsed the books which you can purchase or you can do an exchange.

Seriously, this is a book lover’s paradise.

I’m dreaming of spending a rainy day there with copious amounts of tea and a really good book.

The warm, inviting and book-filled Poet’s Corner. A great place for coffee, tea or lunch. Or to pick up a good book!

My tea and gluten free treat at Poet’s Corner. Yum!

Max’s

This is one of my favorite places to eat in Kinsale.

The food is such a wonderful fusion of French and Irish.

And while it’s focus in on seafood you will find some meat and vegetarian options.

But if you love seafood, this is another great choice.

Your server will list off about five different specials, all of which will be fresh seafood just off the boats in the harbor.

Choose one of those dishes and you won’t go wrong.

The wine list is also superb.

Don’t let the traditional, red exterior fool you.

Max’s is a place for a special treat.

My mouth is watering just thinking of the delicious food and wine here.

I think a trip to Max’s is the best thing to do in Kinsale.

Nine Market Street

Because this is County Cork and it’s Kinsale, I have to add one more food stop.

Nine Market Street is a really cool cafe/restaurant.

You can have great coffee, tasty breakfast, a delicious lunch or you can have a scrumptious dinner.

Dinner is only served Thursday through Saturday, so make a note of this.

I had a late lunch here of a board with artichokes, hummus, olives and roasted red peppers.

It was delish!

Be sure you stop in for a bit of something here as I saw locals eating here which is always a good sign!

My scrumptious light lunch at Nine Market Street. I highly recommend eating here.

Wander the cobblestone streets

For me there’s nothing better than simply wandering around town, walking the cobblestone lanes.

There are shops of all sorts selling local arts and crafts.

Pop into one of the bookshops or Giles Norman’s photography store (he’s an amazing Irish landscape photographer).

Drop in on the Enibas jewelry shop which is the Kinsale base of Sabine Lenz’s Schull operation.

Or Kinsale Silver for some more beautiful jewelry.

Pop into the Armada Bar or Dalton’s for a pint or a wee dram.

But, walking the winding streets with no map and a camera — and a sense of adventure — is a great way to explore this small town.

In fact, I’d say that meandering about is the best thing to do in Kinsale.

Wandering around colorful Kinsale.

Kinsale is fun to simply wander about!

Hang out around the harbor

Kinsale is still very much a fishing town despite the rise in tourism.

And the harbor is where the action is.

Watch the fishing boats go out if you’re up early — very early!

Or see the fishermen come back into the harbor in the afternoons with their fresh catches that will end up on your plate later that evening.

It’s fascinating to see these men (and a few women) as they go about their daily lives of cleaning their boats and mending their nets.

Or, if you want, take a harbor cruise and drink in the sites of Charles Fort, Summercove and Kinsale from the water.

Spend some time around the harbor to get a feel for this wonderful town.

A fisherman mending his net. Kinsale is still a fishing town.

Kinsale is truly an enchanting harbor town filled with an assortment of things to do and see to fit every budget, personality and interest.

I highly recommend spending a few nights here to really take it all in and to enjoy the surrounding areas.

Note: This post was originally posted in April 2014 as Top 7 Things To Do In Kinsale, Ireland.  

Are you ready to spend some time in Kinsale?

Well I’m ready to lend a hand. Who am I? I’m Lynne Nieman and I’m a personal travel planner helping people like you create your perfect European adventure. Whether you need help planning part or all of your trip, I’m ready to assist you in making your travel dreams come true!

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10 Comments

I’ve never been to Ireland and I had no idea it could get that colorful and exotic feeling! I love this little town with such cute streets and the presence of the sea… lovely ideas, thank you !

Ireland is actually quite colorful!

I loved Kinsale! And we ate at Poet’s Corner too – had some delicious chocolate cake there 🙂

Kinsale is really lovely. And I could have whiled away a day in Poet’s Corner 😉

I’ve never heard of this town but it looks so cute and unique! I love the cozy bookstore coffee shop!! My kinda place 🙂

It’s a great spot although not undiscovered. Loads of good food and yes, lovely cafes for coffee and tea!

Ireland is my favorite place in the world. I haven’t made it to Kinsale yet, but the next time I go I’ll be sure to spend a few days there!

You should, Katie. You’d love it. And so many other nearby small towns that are worthy of time as well. It’s really a gorgeous part of Ireland!

It looks like such a great little town! colorful house? checked port and fishing boats? checked Great places to eat? checked, sounds like the perfect place for a photography enthusiast and foodie at heart like myself 🙂 Looks like a really fun place to hang out in!

It is a wonderful place to photograph and there is incredibly good food.

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Ireland's Travel Guide

Old Head of Kinsale Loop Walk, Cork, Irelands Wild Atlantic Way

• Author: ActiveME
• Created: October 4, 2012 11:32 pm
• Updated: December 12, 2017 11:00 am
• Walking/Hiking
• Distance Instructions
• Distance 7 km
• Speed 0.0 km/h
• Min altitude 9 m
• Climb 103 m
• Descent 103 m

The Old Head of Kinsale Loop is an easy 1.5 hour (6 km) loop walking route on the famous Old Head of Kinsale with spectacular views at every turn with an optional spur walk to Garretstown beach in south County Cork, Ireland. Take this scenic walking route with you on our free App for iPhone and Android and share your photos on the  ActiveMe facebook page .

• Places to Stay Near Kinsale: coming soon
• Places for Food Near Kinsale: coming soon
• Places for Entertainment Nearby: coming soon
• Local Walking Guide or Tour Guide: coming Soon
• Other greats Things to See and Do in the Area: coming soon

The Old Head is famous for a number of reasons:

• The scenery is just outstanding at every turn
• Ancient ruins of a fortified site built by the the Érainn (Fir Bolg) Celts , between 500 and 100 B.C.
• The Old Head Lighthouse built in the 17th century
• The Old Head Golf Links course, one of the most remarkable locations in the history of links golf
• The nearby location where the RMS Lusitania was sunk by German torpedo in 1915 claiming 1,198 lives

The Old Head is a spectacular narrow promontory into the Atlantic Ocean which rises hundreds of feet from the sea with dramatic cliffs, is surrounded by the ocean on all sides and therefore has outstanding views along its entire length. Many of the golf holes play alongside these amazing cliffs.

On May 7 1915, the Lusitania   passenger ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat, 11 miles off the southern coast of Old Head in the declared 'zone of war' during WW2, claiming the lives of 1198 people. The wreck is in 300 ft (91 m) of water at 51°25′N 8°33′W.

When Greek writer Ptolomy wrote about Ireland/Iverni, he spoke about the ancient people know as Erainn, Fir Bolg or Belgae (same tribe), the second wave of Celtic people to settle in Ireland around 500 to 100 BC.

To get directions and to follw the route, use our Map of Ireland and Sat Nav tools on our website and our GPS maps on our free ActiveME iPhone and Android App to find and follow the walking route live on screen and keep on track. Feel free to add you own star rating and comments or suggestions below.

On May 7 1915, the Lusitania   passenger ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat, 11 miles off the southern coast of Old Head in the declared ‘zone of war’ during WW2, claiming the lives of 1198 people. The wreck is in 300 ft (91 m) of water at 51°25′N 8°33′W.

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My Guided Tours of Ireland's Hidden Gems are sold out for 2024 but you can find out more about my 2025 Tours at the link below and / or register your interest to receive an Early Bird Discount of €450 per person. 

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Dermot Ryan walking tour Kinsale

Dermot Ryan ’s walking tour of Kinsale is the only way to get under the skin of this ancient, medieval harbour town in County Cork. As, I always say without a guide, you may as well be looking into a ditch! “You see that stone stump there” says Dermot, we are in the middle of Kinsale town opposite the Customs House, incidentally designed by a Dutchman, “well that’s were the boats used to tie up”. Just opposite is the Grey Hound Pub, which has been serving ale since 1690 and the Tap Tavern, beside the guard well, equally as long established but even more important because it guarded the towns water supply. These are the little details you would never notice much less get to know anything about, without Dermot’s encyclopedic knowlege of the area. Armed with a well thumbed folder of photographs, a ready wit and smile, being born and bred in Kinsale he knows everyone and everyone knows him with a “Howya, Dermot” every couple of minutes. 

Dermot Ryan ’s walking tour leaves from the Tourist Office every morning at 10.30 and is the best €5 you’ll spend in Kinsale. It takes about an hour of easy sauntering around the town pointing out the interesting facts and features and filling in the details history wise without get too long and drawn out. Dermot has some great stories old and new and subscribes to that well known Irish-ism of not letting the truth get in the way of a good story like the one about the giant? yes it’s true Ireland had the very own giant Patrick Cotter O’Brien who was born and raised in Kinsale and lived in a cottage on Chairman’s Lane from1860-1904. But even that lad changed his name from Cotter to O’Brien and invented a lineage all the way back to Brian Boru, high king of Ireland so as we say in Ireland Dermot didn’t lick his story telling off the stones or this case the medieval cobbles of Kinsale.

To book a guided walk with Dermot Ryan please click here 

For more Things To See and Do in West Cork please click here 

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