A historic port and fishing village, Kinsale offers visitors a taste of Ireland’s beautiful County Cork coastline. Narrow streets wind their way through the city centre, lined with galleries and gift shops, and of course, plenty of lively pubs and bars serving up creamy pints of Guinness. At the waterfront, a picturesque natural harbour is shadowed by a magnificent 17th century fortress. In the summer months, yachts, sailboats and fishing vessels bob away on the water.

For foodies, Kinsale is a paradise. It’s renowned as the epicentre of south-west Ireland’s fine dining scene and is home to a string of coveted restaurants. In fact, the port now hosts its very own annual Gourmet Festival, which attracts top chefs from across the globe.

Just 25 kilometres south of Cork, Kinsale is an easy day trip from the city. By car, the drive takes just 30 minutes. Public buses also make the trip, stopping at Cork Airport along the way. By far, the best way to explore Kinsale and soak up the atmosphere is by foot. Another fantastic way to experience the beautiful waterfront is by yacht.

While today Kinsale is a mecca for holidaymakers, the focus hasn’t always been on boutique art galleries, beautiful scenery and fantastic food. The town has a significant military history, with the imposing Charles Fort built to protect the strategic harbour from use by the French and Spanish. It went on to serve as a supply base for Royal Navy vessels, though today it attracts sightseers rather than sailors.