Kinsale is a famous town that is known for fishing. It has a lot of historical significance. Most people love touring this area due to the many successes it has had over time.
In the olden days, it is said to be a battlefield, a major port, as well as the sinking of the Lusitania. All of these things are what contribute to it being so famous. In today’s times, it is known as the world’s leading tourist attraction site. It is also a starting point to the Wild Atlantic way trail.
The list for the things you can do when you visit this Ireland is endless. If you are someone who loves to have fun, especially with family members, then this is the right place for you. Therefore if you are looking for a tourist attraction site that you would love to visit soon, highly consider visiting this island. There are tones of fun activities awaiting you. Below is what you should not miss when you visit Kinsale.
1. Visit the Kinsale Museum
The first stop you should make after reaching this magnificent destination is the Kinsale Museum. This museum was built around 1600. It was built at the site where there the sinking of the Lusitania.
A German submarine sunk in the year 1915. This is where this museum has been established. This museum has a wide array of historical artifacts.
This museum has a pair of boots that were said to be owned by Patrick Cotter O’Brien. This man lived in between 1760-1806. He was known for his great height.
He was known as the Kinsale Giant and was the tallest man in the world during that time. There is also a Spanish ship that was used during the war between the Irish and England during the famous battle of Kinsale. This ship helped the Irish to win the war over the British in 1601.
2. Explore the town center
Kinsale has a small town, which is very attractive. It is located at the seaside and is very colorful. Walking be around the seafront sounds fun, right?
Why not then take a walk on this street?
This town has a legendary store called Mamukko that deals with covetable tote bags. This store is one of the award-winning stores of its time. It is run by two brothers who use the reclaimed yacht to make these bags. Most people love watching them do this because they are skilled in what they do.
There is also the lemon leaf café. This café is known for offering the best coffee and lunch. It has a beautiful view of the courtyard. The view is excellent since it comprises of a lot of green vegetation. Sounds nice, right? The town also has an art gallery.
This gallery has superb arts. Its art tends to reflect the great town of Kinsale and its historical beauty. Do not forget the market.
This town has farmers that produce fresh and tasty produce direct from their gardens. Their market day is especially during Wednesday mornings. Do not forget to pick this fresh produce and carry them along with you as you go home.
Visit Charles fort
During the 17th century, this fort acted as an essential ground of war. It was built at the very edge of the Kinsale harbor.
The fascinating thing about this harbor is that it has a star shape. Its structure was built impenetrable, which offered tremendous Irish protection. However, in 1690, this fort was seized by Sir Winston Churchill. This was during the Williamite war, which happened in Ireland.
These British troops occupied this fort for over two centuries. It was damaged to the point of no return during the Anglo-Irish treaty in 1921.
The anti-treaty forces were responsible for this damage as they tried to fight the making of the treaty. Afterward, it was made a national monument in the 1970s, and it fell into the hands of the government. This fort is open to visitors on the first Wednesday of each month.
The government seriously guards it, this being the reason for the visits occur once every month. This is an opportunity you should not miss out on.
Visit Kinsale loop
Outside Kinsale, there is a six-kilometer loop. This loop is located around the Old Head of Kinsale. It is the best walking route you can ever see.
If you love taking walks, then this is the right place to visit. It has spectacular scenery; many historical sites surround it. The view is captivating. It has a narrow headland and an 18hole golf course. You can walk on this golf course for up to one and a half hours.
If you are looking for a way to exercise or some appetite for some nice dinner, then you should go for this walk. The view also includes the century lighthouse and the Celtic ruins.
Imagine taking this walk with your fiancée looking forward to a great dinner afterward.
Fishy Fishy – Eat some seafood
Seafood is tasty.
At Kinsale, you would not want to miss out on the great seafood that it has to offer. The town has excellent restaurants that offer delicious seafood. Some local fishermen are responsible for supplying these restaurants with sea animals.
Fishy Fishy is one of the most awarded restaurants throughout the Ireland and was named in the best 100 restaurants in this country.
By visiting this restaurant, you are assured of eating the best seafood there is. Whether you love seafood or not, this is a must-try. Be sure that you will love it after the first bite.
The Fishy Fishy’s lobster is one to crave for any time of the day.
Blacks brewery
Blacks is the best place to be, especially if you love beer. A husband and wife run this brewery. The name black came from this couple’s sir name, which is Black.
They are called Sam and Maudeline Black. This brewery is usually open in May.
This is a time that everyone can visit this great brewery. There is a tasting bar that you can sit as you taste and sample some of the best beers they have.
Their tickets go for 12Euros. Someone who loves beer and loves trying out new samples from time to time this is the best place to be. You can find out more about the Tours – here
Retreat Kinsale: Head, neck and shoulder massage
Retreat Kinsale is known to be the best when it comes to offering the best massages. Its spa has a wide variety of services they offer.
The holistic therapies will provide you with an excellent outline of a treatment plan individually for you. The sessions that take about 30 to one and a half hours are just great and provide you with a relaxed body and mind.
They have everything that is required to make your body feel comfortable and stress-free. Why not try this after a long day out in the loop?
You can check out their website – https://www.theretreatkinsale.com/
Desmond castle
This castle was built in 1500 by the earl of Desmond. This castle is three-storied, and it was initially developed as a customs house; it also served as a prison in the 18th century.
It was known as the French prison. It acted as a store for firearms during the battle of Kinsale in 1601 and as a workhouse during the great famine.
In 1983, the government declared it a national monument. This was after it almost decayed in the 20th century. Today, this castle is home to the museums’ wine exhibition.
Most people visit this castle to have a taste of the great wine exhibited here. This wine shows a history between Ireland, Europe, and the world at large. Find out more here – http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/desmondcastle/
Visit James fort
This is located directly opposite Charles fort. Its position is very commanding and very attractive. This fort was built in 1607.
During the great Kinsale war, the Williamite forces captured this fort. It is one of that military architecture that offers a great view. When in this fort, you can get a good view of the rivers, harbor, Charles fort, and the town.
This is a beautiful place to visit in the evenings to watch the sunset.
This is a protected national monument that is being managed by the office public works. The fort is, however, open to visitors.
Ringfinnan, Garden of Remembrance
This garden is a remembrance of the brave firefighters at the New York firefighting departments.
He was a brave firefighter who lost his life in 2001. This garden has a tree representing each individual that passed away with the name attached to it.
Many of these firefighters were from Ireland. Most visitors visiting Kinsale, go to this garden to pay their respects to the brave firefighters. If you are planning on visiting Kinsale, do not forget to visit the garden of remembrance so that you can also acknowledge these great soldiers who died in their line of duty.
Kinsale is truly one historical area that you should visit. The high number of activities offered in this area is fascinating and one which you would not want to miss.