What To Do in Kinsale: A Foodie Coastal Village in Cork
Kinsale
Kinsale is a colorful coastal town that is the food capital of Ireland. The small town's many restaurants get their fish straight off the boats on the pier.
It is a bit touristy these days, but sometimes it's ok to just want to wander small streets, look in cutesy shops, eat a lot of food and be happy with life. The energy and craic on a sunny Summer evening is hard to beat here.
Kinsale is a popular first overnight stop for visitors coming from Dublin. I see lots of itineraries like this. Land, one night in Dublin, then drive to Kinsale via the Rock of Cashel. Then continue on.
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Kinsale Cork
Where to Stay in Kinsale
- Actons Hotel Kinsale "We had a stunning room looking out over the water and the pier. Every staff member we met was warm, engaging and friendly"
- Perryville House "One of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed at! Perfect location on the harbor, stunning interiors, fresh flowers everywhere"
- Long Quay House "In a lovely Georgian building, right across from the Kinsale harbor. The breakfast was superb, especially the home made jam."
What To Do in Kinsale
The Charles Fort
Charles Fort Cork
The Charles Fort was built in 1682, is star shaped and has lovely views looking back at Kinsale. For a 340 year old structure, it's in good condition. Enjoy the beautiful views over Kinsale Harbour. That is English that the guides are speaking, it's just the Cork version.
The Lemon Leaf Cafe in the fort is excellent. Include plans to eat here when you visit the fort.
Do a Kinsale Cruise
See Kinsale from the water as you sail past the Charles Fort & the Old Head of Kinsale. The most relaxing way to see the sights.
Eat & Drink
I'm including this in the what to do section because it's a big part of what you do in Kinsale! Walk, eat and drink.
Where to Eat in Kinsale
The real attraction of Kinsale is the food. After a walk around the fort and by the sea, you've earn it. Walk the streets of Kinsale & eat fish. Sip a pint or a white wine.
Bastion is Michelin starred. Their tasting menu is something you should book well in advance. Jim Edwards’s gastropub is less formal but just as delicious. Fishy Fish is probably the best known place in town. Not cheap, but worth it.
Marie and Salvador (Irish-Spanish couple) at Salvis on Pearse St have been feeding the same locals for years. Walk to the New Bridge to the Catch of the Day food truck for a more casual meal. Dino’s on Pier Road also has excellent fish & chips.
Something different? Try the Flying Poet, an aviation cafe run by a South African family with walls of books to browse.
Kinsale Culinary Tour
Do the Kinsale Culinary Tour when you arrive. You'll get all the tips for the best spots to eat straight from the local foodie.
Where to Drink in Kinsale
First, learn the local etiquette, you're in Cork so drink Murphys or Beamish, none of that Dublin Guinness stuff down here in Cork!
The three best bars are all outside town, The Dock, The Spaniard, and The Bulman. In town, the Greyhound is where you'll find actual locals.
Honey Mead
Mead is the world's oldest alcoholic drink. It is made from honey so that makes it healthy by me! The Kinsale Mead Company does tours and more importantly, tastings.
Around Kinsale
The Kinsale 9/11 Garden of Remembrance
This is an unexpected as it is solemn. The Kinsale Garden of Remembrance was established by a Kinsale lady, Kathleen Cait Murphy who worked as a nurse for over 30 years in New York City. 344 trees planted in Kinsale to remember Father Michael Judge & 343 the members of the NYFD who lost their lives on 9/11.
Garrylucas Beach
This is my vibe completely and very local. Go for a swim at Garrylucas Beach, or surf at Garrettstown beach, then warm up at The Sauna Snugg, a mobile sauna wagon. While the wagon is cool looking on the outside, it's sweltering hot inside. You will definitely be mixing with locals here. You’ll be in tight quarters and will make sweaty friends easily. Check ahead for their opening times at The Sauna Snugg.
You can walk from Garretstown Beach, onto Garrylucas and up to the Old Head. Stop off for a sauna, then a pint at the Speckled Door.
Old Head Kinsale Golf Club
The Old Head of Kinsale golf club is maybe the most spectacular golf course in all of Ireland. If you're a golfer, it's surely on your bucket list. Speaking of buckets, bring a lot of balls. The cliffs surrounding the course are a magnet for wayward hits and have claimed countless Titleists over the years.
Our Cork local, John Dooley at Concierge Golf Ireland has the connections to get you a tee time.
After Kinsale
Everyone goes straight from Blarney to Killarney. Big mistake! This West Cork area of Ireland is the best and so many tourists skip it. Here's a report from my own holiday in West Cork. It'll convince you why you should spend more time in this very Irish part of country.
Ireland by Locals
Ireland by Locals
