Top 9 Things To Do & See in Kinsale, Ireland

Last Updated: Apr 28, 2019

Kinsale, located in southwestern Ireland, is one of those seaside towns that should be on your itinerary.

It’s a colorful place, with cobblestone streets and red and blue boats bobbing in the harbor.

Despite the fact that it has a certain “upscale” aura about it, Kinsale is still very much a fishing town at heart.

There is fine dining, but also awesome pub food.

After all this is County Cork — Ireland’s food mecca!

And, there is a lot of history to Kinsale. A major battle took place in 1601 that pitted the English against Irish/Spanish forces.

The English won that battle. But, we all know the Irish eventually won the war for independence.

Having made a recent trip, I will say that it has become more touristed and can get quite busy.

That being said, it’s still a wonderful place to spend a few days.

I might simply suggest that it will be quieter out of the high tourist season — and it might be nicer if you’re seeking more authentic connections.

So what are the best things to do in Kinsale?

Kinsale and its harbor.

Charles Fort

Do NOT leave Kinsale without visiting this historical site.

Even if you’re not a fan of history (this disappoints me) go for the views.

This fort — located just beyond Summercove — is one of the best examples of of a 17th century star-shaped fort that remains intact.

In fact, much of what was built in 1678 is still in existence.

It’s way cool!

There are two enormous bastions overlooking the water and three that face inland.

Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most memorable events of Irish history.

The most significant of these are the Williamite War (1689-91) and the Civil War (1922-23).

The fort is open year round and the entrance fee is €5 for adults.

Take the free guided tour which is included with your entrance fee. These are wonderful and incredibly informative!

And don’t forget your camera because the views are fabulous.

Charles Fort might be the best thing to do in Kinsale…beside eat!

For more information on Charles Fort, check this out.

Charles Fort is a must for your time in Kinsale.

The views of Kinsale Harbor from Charles Fort are stunning!

Spend some time in Summercove

Summercove is a kind of Kinsale “annex” that is located just below Charles Fort and across the water from Kinsale.

The best way to get here is to walk from Kinsale along a well marked paved trail that takes you around the harbor then climbs up a bit.

Again don’t forget your camera as you’ll get some marvelous views.

And it’s a great spot to stop after a visit to the fort.

Sit outside at the Bulman Bar and have a pint and watch the world go by.

This was taken from the trail to Summercove. You get fabulous views of Kinsale and the harbor.

Old Head Golf Links

If golf is your sport, then the Old Head is the place for you.

It’s one of the classic courses in the Republic of Ireland.

You must make reservations far in advance and it will set you back €200 to €350 for 18 holes in 2019.

But it’s well worth the price for the views alone.

This gorgeous links course, which is built on 220-acres, juts out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s almost an island!

Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views.

It’s truly a spectacular setting and worth the price for this luxurious golfing experience.

And the bonus? You’ll also get up close and personal to the Old Head Lighthouse that sits at the headland that is part of the golf course.

The Old Head Lighthouse that sits out at the edge of the Old Head Golf Links. Playing a round at the course will give you better views of this lighthouse!

Fishy Fishy Cafe

One of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Ireland, Fishy Fishy Cafe is a must for your time in Kinsale.

The seafood is fresh and the atmosphere is festive.

Reservations are highly recommended for this popular eating establishment, especially in high season.

Martin and Marie Shanahan are the husband and wife team that run this fabulous establishment and they’ve even created a cookbook of some of their favorite recipes.

These are folks that know the fishermen that are bringing in the freshest and finest fish and seafood.

So I can guarantee you’ll have some of the freshest food in Ireland.

The streets of Kinsale are a joy to wander around.

Poet’s Corner

What a wonderful spot for coffee or tea and a treat.

Or you can have a bit of breakfast or lunch.

And if you love books, then you definitely want to spend some time here.

I arrived on a rainy morning, having driven from Schull so some hot tea and a gluten free treat were just what I needed.

Poet’s Corner is warm and inviting and, I must admit, these were some of the best gluten free treats I’ve ever had!

After I finished stuffing my face and warming up with some good tea I browsed the books which you can purchase or you can do an exchange.

Seriously, this is a book lover’s paradise.

I’m dreaming of spending a rainy day there with copious amounts of tea and a really good book.

The warm, inviting and book-filled Poet’s Corner. A great place for coffee, tea or lunch. Or to pick up a good book!

My tea and gluten free treat at Poet’s Corner. Yum!

Max’s

This is one of my favorite places to eat in Kinsale.

The food is such a wonderful fusion of French and Irish.

And while it’s focus in on seafood you will find some meat and vegetarian options.

But if you love seafood, this is another great choice.

Your server will list off about five different specials, all of which will be fresh seafood just off the boats in the harbor.

Choose one of those dishes and you won’t go wrong.

The wine list is also superb.

Don’t let the traditional, red exterior fool you.

Max’s is a place for a special treat.

My mouth is watering just thinking of the delicious food and wine here.

I think a trip to Max’s is the best thing to do in Kinsale.

Nine Market Street

Because this is County Cork and it’s Kinsale, I have to add one more food stop.

Nine Market Street is a really cool cafe/restaurant.

You can have great coffee, tasty breakfast, a delicious lunch or you can have a scrumptious dinner.

Dinner is only served Thursday through Saturday, so make a note of this.

I had a late lunch here of a board with artichokes, hummus, olives and roasted red peppers.

It was delish!

Be sure you stop in for a bit of something here as I saw locals eating here which is always a good sign!

My scrumptious light lunch at Nine Market Street. I highly recommend eating here.

Wander the cobblestone streets

For me there’s nothing better than simply wandering around town, walking the cobblestone lanes.

There are shops of all sorts selling local arts and crafts.

Pop into one of the bookshops or Giles Norman’s photography store (he’s an amazing Irish landscape photographer).

Drop in on the Enibas jewelry shop which is the Kinsale base of Sabine Lenz’s Schull operation.

Or Kinsale Silver for some more beautiful jewelry.

Pop into the Armada Bar or Dalton’s for a pint or a wee dram.

But, walking the winding streets with no map and a camera — and a sense of adventure — is a great way to explore this small town.

In fact, I’d say that meandering about is the best thing to do in Kinsale.

Wandering around colorful Kinsale.

Kinsale is fun to simply wander about!

Hang out around the harbor

Kinsale is still very much a fishing town despite the rise in tourism.

And the harbor is where the action is.

Watch the fishing boats go out if you’re up early — very early!

Or see the fishermen come back into the harbor in the afternoons with their fresh catches that will end up on your plate later that evening.

It’s fascinating to see these men (and a few women) as they go about their daily lives of cleaning their boats and mending their nets.

Or, if you want, take a harbor cruise and drink in the sites of Charles Fort, Summercove and Kinsale from the water.

Spend some time around the harbor to get a feel for this wonderful town.

A fisherman mending his net. Kinsale is still a fishing town.

Kinsale is truly an enchanting harbor town filled with an assortment of things to do and see to fit every budget, personality and interest.

I highly recommend spending a few nights here to really take it all in and to enjoy the surrounding areas.

Note: This post was originally posted in April 2014 as Top 7 Things To Do In Kinsale, Ireland.