Kinsale
is a beauty by the bay
Welcome to Kinsale
The picturesque yachting harbour of Kinsale (Cionn tSáile) is one of many colourful gems strung along the coastline of County Cork. Narrow, winding streets lined with galleries and gift shops, lively bars and superb restaurants, and a handsome natural harbour filled with yachts and guarded by a huge 17th-century fortress make it an engrossing place to spend a day or two.
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Kinsale activities
7-Day Grand Small-Group Tour of Ireland from Dublin
Day 1: Sunday Cork, the Rebel CountyTravel west to the magical South West. Visit the medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle at The Rock of Cashel. Kiss of the Blarney Stone and hope for an eternal gift of eloquence. Finish this jam-packed day on your small group tour with a night in West Cork’s stunning harbor town of Kinsale. Day 2: Monday The Ring of KerryDepart for the Ring of Kerry. Our first stop is the beautiful town of Kenmare. Discover: Molls Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. Your Ross Castle tour will enlighten you as to how life really was within the stone walls. Waves and weather permitting we will take the plunge for a surf at Inch Beach. Stay in the celebrated, coastal town of Dingle. Day 3: Tuesday DingleStart the morning kayaking to meet our famous dolphin, Fungie. Alternatively, if kayaking is not your thing we will take you on a hike up Mount Brandon. Let our expert guides take you on a breathtaking trip along the Slea Head Drive and finish off your perfect day at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery. Day 4: Wednesday Cliffs of Moher & DoolinCross the River Shannon by ferry to leave the South West behind. We enter county Clare now, home to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the Burren National Park. Today we will explore the cliffs by foot and let the fresh air and dramatic coastline embrace us! Day 5: Thursday GalwayWe will head to Galway, renowned for its brightly-painted pubs heave with live music, while cafes offer front-row seats for observing street performers and musicians. After a cycling tour through the streets and waterways you are free to enjoy an evening in this vibrant town. We can also offer a fantastic food tour or stand-up paddle boarding in Galway Bay. Day 6: Friday The Aran Islands & WestportAfter a short drive to Rossaveal pier, we will sail across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands. Explore the island, meet the locals and pick up a few words in “Gaelic”. Cycle to the stone fort Dún Aenghus. Depart for the stunning town of Westport. Take in the breathtaking views of Connemara National Park and the Lost Valley which is part of the famous Famine Trail. Day 7: Saturday Westport – DublinWake up fresh in Westport where your guide will challenge you to climb Ireland’s holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick. Learn about the man responsible for St Patrick’s day and enjoy unspoiled views over Clew Bay. This is the ultimate way to finish off an unforgettable journey through Ireland.
Full-Day Kinsale and West Cork Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Charles FortWe will spend approximately 1 hour at Charles Fort. YOUR ADMISSION IS INCLUDED!Charles Fort is a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. As one of the largest military installations in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some well known events in Irish history. From the Fort you will also enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Kinsale Harbour and the West Cork coast.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Kinsale Tourist Information OfficeWe make our way to Kinsale where you will enjoy 1.5 hours free-time!Kinsale is known as one of the prettiest towns in Ireland. Nestling in the shelter of Kinsale Harbour this town is truly a joy to explore. Walk the medieval lane ways and visit some of the historic buildings. There is a great selection of small shops, and if you are hungry a wide choice of lunch options. Kinsale is well known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, so you have an opportunity at this lunch stop to taste many local dishes along with a vast array of seafood plates.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Timoleague Franciscan FriarySituated in the most colorful town of Timoleague with its array of multi-colored houses we stop to explore the 13th century Timoleague Abbey founded by Darthmount McCormick McCarthy king of Desmond. It will introduce us to how Christian Communicty existed in the early ages.Duration: 20 minutesPass By: Paddywagon Day ToursWe make our way back to Cork City, arriving at 17.00 approx after a great day inspired by the beauty of West Cork.
Shore Excursion from Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle, Cork City and Kinsale
Your bus tour departs from your ship in Cobh first heading for Blarney Castle where you will have up to 2 hours free time to Kiss the legendary Blarney stone, explore the amazing gardens, take in some shopping at the famous Blarney Woollen Mills or simply indulge in the atmosphere in the village of Blarney enjoying some local homemade scones with coffee.After our visit to Blarney we will enjoy a panoramic driving tour through Cork city centre taking in famous landmarks such as The Shandon Bells and The English Market.The next leg of our trip will lead us to Kinsale, first stopping at Charlesfort for a 15 minute photo-op to capture the stunning views and learn of the fascinating history of Charlesfort and Lusitania before arriving shortly afterwards at the The charming village of Kinsale, dubbed "Ireland's Gourmet Capital". Perfect for lunch!There are lots of pubs, restaurants and craft/gift shops dotted around the winding streets of Kinsale. You will have up to 2 hours free time to explore and enjoy lunch/drinks at one of the many fine local establishments.It is now time to enjoy the scenic route back to your ship and take in some touring around the magnificent Island of Cobh (This ensures the last leg of our tour is very near to your ship in order to make a timely return one hour before your sailing.Immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of Cobh taking in some stunning harbour scenery while discovering why Cobh is forever linked to the ill fated Titanic. Learn of the fascinating history of Lusitania mass graves, The Potato Famine and Ireland's mass emigration.Finally we will have a 15 minute stop to enjoy the spectacular neo-gothic St. Colman's Catholic Cathedral before heading back to your ship in plenty good time for your sailing.
Cobh Shore Excursion: Blarney Castle, Cork City and Kinsale Private Tour
Leaving the ship in Cobh we would head directly to Blarney Castle getting ahead of the crowds to avoid long queues at this very popular site, this is important if you wish to kiss the Blarney stone which is said locally to give you the ‘gift of the gab’ or more appropriately the ‘gift of eloquent speech’. The castle itself was built more than six hundred years ago and home of the McCarthy Clan, with its beautiful gardens and lake a must see on a visit to Cork. From Blarney we would head for Cork city known locally as ‘The real Capital of Ireland’, the river Lee flows through Cork dividing the city into North & South and the Port of Cork meets the Atlantic Ocean at Cobh. The people of Cork may be difficult to understand as it is said we sing our words rather than speak them, a very hilly city steeped in history, beautiful Cathedrals and lime stone buildings fast becoming a very cosmopolitan place. Cork is also the second deepest natural port in the world, Sydney being the first. Key attractions in Cork would be St Finbarr’s Cathedral and the English Market. From Cork we would head to the port town of Kinsale otherwise known as the ‘Gourmet capital of Ireland’ famous for its wonderful restaurants and many festivals during the year. On arriving in Kinsale we would come in from an elevated site looking over the town at Charles Fort, a five stared fort famous for its defence of the coastline during the Spanish Armada of 1601, with beautiful panoramic views over the town, the Marina and the multi coloured houses and shops. There is a lot of Spanish influence in the town itself associated with the Armada, the names of the pubs for example, ‘The Spaniard’, ‘The 1601’, ‘The Bulman’ and many more waiting to be explored! It is a real picturesque town in the south west of Ireland and the start of ‘The Wild Atlantic Way’ route.
Award-Winning Smoked Salmon Tasting and Private Smokehouse Tour with a Local
Anthony is the owner of the Ummera Smokehouse, a family-owned smokehouse in Timoleague that has won several awards. Anthony spent many years in the world of wine, working in many places from Dublin to France to Spain and Australia, before he was drawn back to his family in Ireland where he setup a wine company in Kinsale. Anthony then decided to help his father, a chicken farmer and fisherman who discovered his love for smoking foods, grow his business. Anthony took over the business from his father in 1998 and built a new smokehouse in 2000. Meet Anthony and learn about the art and science of smoking foods! Although Ummera is primarily known for its smoked salmon, it also offers smoked chicken, smoked duck, smoked Picanha beef and smoked dry cured bacon.
5-Day Spectacular South and West Small-Group Tour of Ireland from Dublin
Day 1: Sunday Cork, the Rebel CountyDepart Dublin in the morning and travel west to the magical South West. Visit the medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle steeped in 1000 years of history at The Rock of Cashel. Travel south to one of Europe’s most vibrant counties, Cork. Begin your Cork experience with a kiss of the Blarney Stone and hope for an eternal gift of eloquence. Finish this jam-packed day with a night in West Cork’s stunning harbour town of Kinsale. Day 2: Monday The Ring of KerryDepart Kinsale and journey towards the Ring of Kerry. Our first stop is the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. Discover many hidden gems on the Ring of Kerry: Molls Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. Your Ross Castle tour will enlighten you as to how life really was within the stone walls and it’s not what you think! After taking in some of the fantastic views on the Ring of Kerry travel to Inch to soak up the Atlantic Ocean. Waves and weather permitting we will take the plunge for a surf at Inch Beach. Stay in the celebrated, cozy coastal town of Dingle. Day 3: Tuesday DingleStart the morning kayaking to meet our famous dolphin, Fungie, in Dingle Bay. Alternatively, if kayaking is not your thing we will take you on a hike up Mount Brandon with 360 degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory. Let our expert guides take you on a breathtaking trip along the Slea Head Drive and finish off your perfect day at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery. Day 4: Wednesday Cliffs of Moher & LahinchLeave Dingle via the dramatic Conor Pass with dramatic drops, encroaching cliffs at every turn. Cross the River Shannon by ferry to leave the South West behind. We enter county Clare now, home to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the Burren National Park. Today we will explore the cliffs by foot and let the fresh air and dramatic coastline embrace us! Spend the evening in the most welcoming and colorful village of Doolin. Day 5: Thursday Galway - DublinVisit the 16th Century castle, Dunghuaire Castle at the quaint fishing village of Kinvara – the gateway to Ireland’s Culture Capital, Galway. Galway is renowned for its pleasures. After a cycling tour through the streets and waterways, discovering Galway’s hidden gems you are free to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, great food and fun in this much-celebrated city. We can also offer a fantastic food tour or stand-up paddle boarding in Galway Bay weather depending. You will depart Galway on the GoBus service.