Kinsale
Kinsale in County Cork is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable resorts of the south-west coast of Ireland. Famous for its yachting, sea angling, gourmet restaurants and golf. Kinsale can easily claim its place amongst Ireland's most historic locations for this has been a centre of population, commerce, trade and fishing far beyond memory and record. In its earliest days the estuary of the Bandon River gave it great importance as the river is tidal as far as Innishannon and water transport was dominant until the 18th Century.
The estuary also provided excellent anchorage for ancient shipping which went in peril of the vagaries of the weather.
The Town nestles between the hills and the shoreline, a maze of narrow streets, never far from the water and little changed in many hundreds of years. Amongst buildings of later periods are those of another age with historical links to the French, Spanish, British and Americans.
HISTORY
The Battle of Kinsale, fought in 1601 between a combined Spanish, an Irish force and English armies, was a turning point in Irish history.
The harbour is guarded by two very fine star-shaped fortresses built in the 17th century: Charles Fort is well worth a visit (guided tours). See also the old Courthouse, now a museum; St Multose Church, built in the 13th century and still in use, and 'French Prison', the 16th century Desmond Castle. There is a signposted tourist trail to this fascinating town with a guide booklet. Take a trip too to the Old Head of Kinsale for magnificent cliff scenery. It was off here that the Lusitania was sunk in 1915 with a loss of over 1,500 lives.
Things To Do
- Actionpak Paintball 086 076 0952
- Ballinadee Ponytrekking and Horseriding 021 477 8152
- Claybird Ltd. 021 488 7823
- Charles Fort 021 477 2263
- Desmond Castle& The Int'l Museum of Wine 021 477 4855
- Heritage Town Walks 021 477 2729
- Kinsale Arts Week 086 822 7588
- Kinsale Deep Sea Angling 087 988 2839
- Kinsale Harbour Cruises 021 477 3188
- Golf Club - Ringenane 021 477 2197
- Golf Club - Farrangalway 021 477 4722
- Old Head of Kinsale Golf Club 021 477 8444
- Outdoor Education/Adventure Centre 021 477 2896
- Oysterhaven Holiday and Activity Centre 021 477 0738
- Pier Leisure 021 477 2101
- Whale of a Time 086 328 3250
- Surfing at G'Town. 0879768549.
Places To Eat
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ACTON'S HOTEL
Address: Pier Road, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 9900 Fax: 021 477 2231:
CAPTAIN'S TABLE RESTAURANT Extensive dinner menu with an emphasis on Irish and European seafood specialities. Locally-sourced produce served in contemporary surroundings. AA Rosette, RAC Dining Award, Fuchsia brand. Table d'Hôte menu Sundays. 7 pm to 10 pm for dinner. Also open Sunday for lunchtime carvery. WATERFRONT BAR €-€€ @ Full bistro menu from soup and sandwiches, to seafood and steaks. Open 12 noon to 10 pm daily. Lounge menu offering desserts and pastries also available 10 am to 10 pm. -
BLUE HAVEN HOTEL
Address: Pearse Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 2209 Fax: 021 477 4268 -
THE BULMAN
Address: Summercove, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 2131 Fax: 021 477 3359 -
CARLTON HOTEL
Address: Rathmore Road, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 6000 -
CRACKPOTS RESTAURANT & GALLERY
Address: 3 Cork Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 2847 Fax: 021 477 3517 -
FISHY FISHY CAFÉ
Address: Crowley's Quay, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 470 0415 - HOBYS RESTAURANT
Address: 5 Main Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 2200 -
JIM EDWARDS RESTAURANT AND BAR
Address: Market Quay, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 2541 -
JOLA'S RESTAURANT
Address: 18/19 Lower O'Connell Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 3322 Fax: 021 477 3344 -
MAN FRIDAY
Address: Scilly, Kinsale Tel: 021 477 2260 - MAX'S WINE BAR
Address: 48 Main St, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 2443 -
THE SHACK ON MAIN STREET
Address: 3 Main Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 4480 -
THE WHITE HOUSE
Address: Pearse Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 2125