Kinsale is a town in County Cork, Ireland. Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale is one of the most picturesque and historic towns on the south-west coast of Ireland. Kinsale has a beautiful set of long waterfront, yacht-filled harbor, narrow winding streets, and brightly painted galleries, shops, and houses.
READ MORE: Best Hotels In Kinsale.
It is also a leading Irish tourist attraction and the southerly starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way trail. So if you find yourself in this historic charming town in Cork, here are the best things to do in Kinsale, Ireland.
Things you'll find in this article
- Best Things To Do in Kinsale Ireland (For 2024)
- 1. Charles Fort is one of the top things to do in Kinsale for visitors
- 2. Explore James Fort is one of the best things to do in Kinsale
- 3. Check out the Kinsale Museum
- 4. One of the most exciting things to do in Kinsale is to check out Old Head
- 5. Check out the Boat House Gallery
- 6. Explore Kinsale town center
- 7. St. Multose House
- 8. Join ghost tour in Kinsale
- 9. Eat seafood in Fishy Fishy
- 10. Join a harbor cruise in Kinsale
- 11. Try a local brewery
- 12. Read at Poet’s Corner
- 13. Irish Veterans Museum
- 14. Kinsale Pottery and Arts Centre
- 15. Explore Garrylucas Beach
Best Things To Do in Kinsale Ireland (For 2024)
1. Charles Fort is one of the top things to do in Kinsale for visitors
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Charles Fort is a star fort located on the water’s edge, at the southern end of the village of Summer Cove, on Kinsale harbor.
Charles Fort is a classic example of a late 17th-century star-shaped fort and it has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of these are the Williamite War 1689-91 and the Civil War 1922-23.
Charles Fort was declared a National Monument in 1973 and one of the most popular Kinsale attractions and one of the best day trips from Cork.
Opening Times
Mid March – October 10.00 – 18.00 | November – Mid March Daily 10.00 – 17.00
Admission Fee
Adult: €5.00 | Group/Senior: €4.00 | Child/Student: €3.00 | Family: €13.00
Contact Information
Address: Summer Cove, Kinsale, Co. Cork P17 AY18
Phone: +353 (21) 477 2263
Email: charlesfort@opw.ie
2. Explore James Fort is one of the best things to do in Kinsale
James Fort is an early 17th-century pentagonal fort located on the Castlepark peninsula in Kinsale harbor.
Situated downstream from Kinsale on the River Bandon and located opposite of Charles Fort, it has a commanding position guarding the small harbor of Kinsale.
The fort remains the most interesting example of 17th-century military architecture and it offers wonderful views of the town, river and Charles Fort.
Address: Old-Fort, Co. Cork, Ireland
3. Check out the Kinsale Museum
The Kinsale museum houses a large number of local artifacts relating to Kinsale’s maritime, military and secular history from the Battle of Kinsale to the Kinsale Giant.
Opening Time
Please ring in advance to check opening times.
Contact Information
Address: Market Square
Phone: +353 21 4772234
Email: kinsaletic@eircom.net
4. One of the most exciting things to do in Kinsale is to check out Old Head
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The Old Head of Kinsale is a headland and a remarkably dramatic piece of Ireland protruding more than 3km into the Atlantic Ocean. An early lighthouse was established here in the 17th century by Robert Reading. The area is the nearest point of land to where the RMS Lusitania was sunk in 1915.
It is also famous for its world-class, 18-hole golf course. Nine holes play along with the tops of the cliffs, but all 18 holes boast stunning views of the ocean. It is one of the best golf courses in Ireland.
5. Check out the Boat House Gallery
This is a quality gallery with a variety of styles of work and diverse arts. Elizabeth Timmons first opened the gallery back in 2010. It has been a huge success with the locals and tourists that it becomes one of the most popular galleries in Kinsale.
Opening Time
10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission Fee
None
Contact Information
Address: 68 Main St, Sleveen, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Phone: +353 21 470 9981
Email: info@theboathousegallery.ie
6. Explore Kinsale town center
Kinsale is a charming town with colorful shopfronts, art galleries and restaurants. Walking along its cobbled street will make you reminisce of the old days.
Stroll around and then sit in one of the benches in the marina and watch the world go by. This charming town is one of the must do’s in Ireland.
7. St. Multose House
St. Multose House is the oldest building and one of the most important landmark buildings of Kinsale.
Built in 1190, but with substantial alterations and renovations over the years, this remains an interesting example of Norman architecture.
St. Multose House has also remained in continuous use up to the present day.
Some interesting features that can be found in St. Multose House include an inscription in Norman French, the Easter sepulcher, the Baptismal font, and the carved memorials.
Opening Time
Please ring in advance to check opening times.
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Address: Knocknabohilly
Phone: +353 21 4772220
8. Join ghost tour in Kinsale
This is not just any ghost tour; it’s more theatrical, fun, humorous, interesting and comedy than horror.
Two actors weave funny stunts and stories into a loose History of the town, offering an entertaining 1.25 hours of fun on Kinsale’s after-dark streets.
If you are looking for stuff to do with kids, this is one of the best things to do in Kinsale for families.
Opening Time
It starts at 9pm – 10:15pm
Admission Fee
adults €10, children €5
Contact Information
Address: The Tap Tavern, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 D981
Phone: 087 948 0910
Email: marytap@iol.ie
9. Eat seafood in Fishy Fishy
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Kinsale is well-known for its seafood restaurants. And there are lots of seafood restaurants in Kinsale that you should really try.
As for our favorite, the award-winning Fishy Fishy restaurant is a must for all seafood lovers and foodies alike.
Opening Time
Mon-Wed: 1pm – 8pm (last booking 8pm),
Thurs – Sat: 12pm – 9pm (last booking 9pm),
Sun: 12pm – 8pm (last booking 8pm)
Contact Information
Address: Fishy Fishy Restaurant, Crowleys Quay, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Phone: +353 21 4700415
10. Join a harbor cruise in Kinsale
Kinsale harbor cruises are ideal for families who wish to enjoy the scenic beauty on Kinsale Harbour out on the water.
It will give you a very different view of Kinsale and its beautiful natural harbor. Kinsale harbor cruises also offer culture, education, and enjoyment for families.
Opening Time
Please ring in advance to check opening times.
Admission Fee
Adult : €13.00 | Child (under 14): €5.00 | Children(under 2) are free |
Family: €32.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
Contact Information
Address: Kinsale Quay | (between Actons Hotel and Trident Hotel), Kinsale, Ireland
Phone: +353 86 250 5456
Email: harbourcruises@gmail.com
11. Try a local brewery
Sample local beers, rum, or gin in Blacks Brewery or any of Kinsale’s amazing pubs. They have amazing selections of quality beers and spirits and their tours are entertaining.
Opening Time:
09:00am – 09:15pm
Admission Fee
€12
Contact Information
Address: Farm Lane | Nocknabohilly
Phone: +353 87 918 0433
Email: tours@blacksbrewery.com
12. Read at Poet’s Corner
Poet’s Corner is a popular small cafe and bookstore tucked away in the Main Street.
Aside from their awesome baked goods, the place is also known for its great collections of books. You can read or peruse their book collection while taking a sip of good coffee.
They also do book exchange and sell second-hand books for a great discount.
Opening Time
Mon-Sat: 9:30 am – 6 pm
Contact Information
Address: 44 Main St, Town-Plots, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone:+353 86 227 7276
Email:info@poetscornerkinsale.com
13. Irish Veterans Museum
The Irish Veterans Museum is a Kinsale-based charitable organization and museum that exhibit the only Medal of Honor on display outside of the United States.
The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious personal military decoration that is awarded to recognize military service members who have distinguished themselves through acts of valor in the United States.
Currently, there are over 250 Irish-born servicemen who have received the Medal of Honor for the last 155 years. The museum also tells the stories of these brave veterans.
Opening Time
Mon-Sun -10:30 am-5pm
Admission Fee
By donations
Contact Information
Address: The Glen, Sleveen
Phone:(086) 406 6448
14. Kinsale Pottery and Arts Centre
If you want to do something different in Ireland, check out the pottery classes in Kinsale Pottery and Arts Centre.
They also offer jewelry-making, mosaic making, and other fun classes. All classes also cater to all stages from beginners to professionals. So tourists are also welcome to join.
Opening Time:
Mon- Sunday – 10 am – 6pm
Admission Fee
Adult (age 18 – 99)- €40.00 each
Contact Information
Address: Olcote, Ballinacurra, Kinsale, Co Cork, Ireland
Phone :00353 21 4777758
Email: info (@) kinsaleceramics.com
15. Explore Garrylucas Beach
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Garrylucas Beach is a Blue Flag Status beach near the Old Head. This lovely sandy beach is popular among locals, especially during summer.
There are facilities in the area like toilets and lifeguards.
Although lifeguards might be only available during the summer season. The prestigious Blue Flag status was awarded in 2018.
Opening Time
Please ring in advance to check opening times.
Contact Information
Address: Old Head of Kinsale
Phone:+353 21 4772234
Planning a visit to Kinsale and don’t know where to stay yet? Here’s our list of best hotels in Kinsale.
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Monday 26th of July 2021
[…] Kinsale is a lovely town with picturesque views and with lots of things to do. […]
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Saturday 24th of July 2021
[…] the city of Cork, it only takes thirty minutes of driving to reach Kinsale, a harbor town situated at the southernmost tip of […]
Lennie Mcgahan
Friday 13th of March 2020
15 Best Things To Do In Kinsale, Ireland are just great and very helpful.
See you soon! :) Many Kisses!
Alex Trembath
Monday 11th of February 2019
I can imagine a trip to Kinsale being very relaxing but at the same time with lots of interesting things to see and learn about. That's the feel I get from your article anyway :) the green countryside around the town looks gorgeous.