Kinsale, A Colorful Town In Ireland
Kinsale is a beautiful town located on the south coast of County Cork, in the Republic of Ireland. Part of its appeal lies in its colorful buildings, but also in its delicious cuisine. If you want to know more about this place, keep reading, we will tell you everything that awaits you there.
A few notes of history
In addition to being known as a town full of color and joy, Kinsale has gone down in history for the battle of the same name (1602) in the Nine Years’ War. A war that pitted the Kingdom of England against the Irish Alliance and the Kingdom of Spain.
The battle was settled with the victory of the English troops, after the Irish fled and the Spanish could not minimize the losses. However, it took two more years, until 1604, for the Anglo-Spanish war to end thanks to the signing of the Treaty of London.
What to see in Kinsale
As we have already anticipated, Kinsale is a place full of color, thanks to the facades of its buildings, which give it a special charm. The best way to admire it is by taking a quiet walk through the town. A route that can begin, for example, in the main square.
Likewise, among the most emblematic places of Kinsale, Fort Charles stands out, a fortification dating from 1677. It has a star shape and five bastions, of which two stand out: the Devil’s and the Charles’. Both face the water, so much of the defense of the port depended on them.
Just as outstanding is Desmond’s Castle. It is a clear example of a tower-house that has remained practically intact since 1500. Its importance is such that it has been declared a National Monument. In addition, it currently houses the International Wine Museum, with an excellent exhibition.
You can also visit the old market building near the Market Square. There are more attractions, such as the Carmelite convent, one of the oldest and most important temples in the Republic of Ireland, or the Church of St. Multose, built in 1190 in the Irish Romanesque style.
Things to do in Kinsale
In addition to sightseeing, in Kinsale you should try its gastronomy. In fact, according to the Irish themselves, it is one of the corners of the country where it is best eaten. Are you going to miss the opportunity? And better if the dishes of the local gastronomy, among which fish and shellfish stand out, are accompanied by a pint of Guiness.
But Kinsale is a town where you can do much more, from shopping to visiting one of its art galleries. And if you travel in spring, you can witness a spectacular classic car rally, in which dozens of vintage vehicles participate every year.
Kinsale environment
After making the most of your visit to Kinsale, there is nothing like taking the opportunity to discover other places on the Cork coast, such as Cobh. It is a beautiful fishing village also with colorful facades. Special mention should be made of its cathedral, built in the neo-Gothic style and built in the 19th century.
A short distance from Cobh is the Titanic Experience. This is the last port where the famous ocean liner made a stop before sinking in the waters of the Atlantic. Here seven passengers got off. Among them, Father Francis Browne, whose photographs of the interior of the ship can be seen in the exhibition.
From Cobh we moved to Eyeries, a small corner of the Beara peninsula. It is also part of the so-called Atlantic Coastal Route. Hundreds of tourists travel there every year to photograph its streets, strewn with brightly colored houses.
As you have seen, Kinsale is a charming town with a great history, many attractions and a magnificent environment that cannot be missed either. Do you still need more reasons to visit it?
