KinsaleIreland

If you are planning a visit to Ireland, you should seriously consider Kinsale and the surrounding area on your itinerary. Arguably the most beautiful city in Ireland and steeped in history. It is located around 20 minutes drive from Cork Airport and overlooks a beautiful harbour. Two historic forts are visible from the city, Fort Carlos and Fort James. These are relics of Ireland’s troubled past and a reminder that the great Battle of Kinsale took place here in 1601.

Kinsale has been called the gourmet capital of Ireland, and you will find excellent restaurants with wonderful fresh seafood. It has a great seafaring tradition, which is why sailing and fishing are widely practiced here. It is also possible to make use of a harbor cruise. Some historic buildings in Kinsale include St. Multose’s Church, the French Prison, and the Friary. Built in 1190, the church of St. Multose has been in continuous use to this day. Take your time to see some interesting features including a Norman French inscription, baptismal font, Easter tomb, carved monuments and altarpiece in Galway Chapel, as well as the wooden coat of arms. The Southwell Memorial is made of Carrera marble and is the work of Arnold Quellin of London. It was in this wonderful church that Prince Rupert proclaimed Charles II king, after hearing the news that Cromwell had had King Charles I executed in London. Prince Rupert’s fleet was anchored in Kinsale Harbor at the time, walking the streets of Kinsale is a real treat. Colorful shops, quaint pubs and plenty of fresh air. Take the popular walk from the city to the Carlos Fort. This will allow you to appreciate all the beauty of the city and the port.

The Old Head of Kinsale is definitely worth a trip too. This headland about 4 miles from Kinsale is home to a wonderful lighthouse and some incredible scenery. It was off this promontory that the ill-fated Lusitania met her fate in May 1915. She was a passenger liner en route from New York to Liverpool when she was torpedoed by a German submarine. 1,189 people lost their lives. A stone commemorates the event. The two beaches of Garrylucas and Garretstown are located nearby and are very pleasant to walk on. From here you can set out on a journey to West Cork. Some wonderful scenery and towns stretch from here along the coast to Kerry.