22 minute read
KINSALE
Something for everyone in colourful Kinsale
Kinsale is the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way for so many reasons and many of them include the fantastic things to see and do! With stunning coastal views around every corner, Kinsale is a wonderland for sea lovers and beach-goers, you can fi nd both serene private paradises or enjoy the atmosphere of busy seaside attractions.
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Kinsale is a great place to get on the water and make a splash, you can go for a relaxing tour of its beautiful harbour, go for a sailing trip, go kayaking with friends, get on a SUP board and enjoy the views or even go surfi ng. e town is known internationally for its famous food scene that caters to every taste with a huge variety of options like award-winning food trucks, quirky cafÈs and Michelin restaurants, you are in for a treat.
You can even go foraging on the townís unique food tours. e town has also gained a reputation for great shopping, scattered on its colourful winding streets you will fi nd unique boutiques stocking top quality locally-made products, curated selections of stylish international brands and beautiful home, craft and gift shops. e town is a haven for history buff s, it features fascinating historic sites that have played important roles in Irish history and you can learn about the town through one of the townís informative walking tours or walk into the townís past during the hilarious Ghost Tour.
e town also puts on extraordinary events like the Kinsale Arts Weekend that has a fantastic programme of events this year. Whatever takes your fancy, youíre sure to fi nd something unforgettable to do on your trip to Kinsale.
Becca Geden, Kinsale.ie
Meadery Tour & Tasting
e drink of Celtic Irelandís Kings & Chieftains
Taste the Worldís Oldest Alcoholic Drink made in Kinsale Just 600m from the Tourist Office BOOK NOW 021 477 3538
Including: ï GARRETTSTOWN ï OLD HEAD ï BALLINSPITTLE
THE MARINAS Kinsale is both a commercial and a recreational port. e three local marinas ñ Castle Park marina, Kinsale Yacht Club marina, and the Trident marina ñ all off er fullyserviced berths for visitors. e busy Kinsale Yacht Club, close to the town, hosts many events ñ both national and international and welcomes sailors of all ages and abilities into its programmes.
KINSALE HERITAGE WALKS AND GHOST TOURS Dermot Ryan has been off ering guided walks around Kinsale for over 40 years. He is passionate about Kinsale and his walks are about an hour in duration and start from the tourist offi ce. ere is a small charge for adults but children go free. Failte Ireland approved. www.kinsaleheritage.com. See also Don & Barryís Historic Stroll. Both tours leave from the tourist offi ce. www.historicstrollkinsale.com. Another popular way to see Kinsale is by taking one of the haunting and hilarious ghost tours after dark. Starting in mid July, contact 087-9480910 for more details and bookings.
THE SCILLY WALK e picture-perfect fi shing village of Scilly got its name from the settlers from the Scilly Isles. It still has a romantic feel about it and is a magical location on a sunny summerís day. You will encounter it on the way to Summercove village and the local coastal walk is popular with locals. From here you can visit Charles Fort, or continue along the harbour trail and the rocky shore of the harbour. On a clear day, you can even see the Old Head from here.
ORIENTEERING, ARCHERY AND ROCK-CLIMBING Have a nose for adventure? en try out the Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre ñ the one-stop-shop locally for action adventure. You can try orienteering in the woods, building a raft or even camping close by. Learn archery and ëbackwoods cookingí, or test your mettle on a huge zipwire, abseil down a rock or climb up one! www.kinsaleoutdoors.com
ANTARCTIC EXPLORERS Few know Kinsaleís major place in global exploration, but Scilly in Kinsale is the location of the memorial which commemorates the Antarctic adventures of the McCarthy brothers, Tim and Mortimer. Timothy sailed with Irishman Shackleton on the Endurance and was one of six men, including Tom Crean, who made the famous 800-mile crossing of the Southern Ocean from Elephant Island in the Antarctic to South Georgia. e McCarthy brothers were reared in Kinsale near the estuary and both learned to sail at a very young age.
WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING West Cork is now internationally-renowned as one of the best locations for dolphin and whale watching. Recent years years have seen some spectacular displays from these incredible species. Because the waters around the south coast of Ireland benefi t from the warming Gulf stream, whales and dolphins are in abundance here most of the year. Itís not unusual to see friendly ñ and harmless ñ sharks off our coast, too. A Kinsale RIB tour will bring you to the outer harbour, to increase your chances of seeing some of our most interesting maritime visitors putting on great displays for their thrilled audiences.
GET SPORTY ereís plenty going on throughout the summer to keep kids and teens active at the S·ile Sports & Community Centre, with summer camps including Letís Go activity camps, a basketball camp, a Just 4 Fun camp and of course the Kelloggís C˙l Camps for GAA fans. e all-weather pitch, sports & community hall, outdoor tennis & basketball court and community room are open all year round on a payas-you ñ play basis. Call 021 4773929 for more or see www. sailesportsandleisure.ie CHARLES FORT One of the best examples of a star-shaped fort in Europe, Charles Fort has also become one of West Corkís top attractions. On a stunning peninsula not far from the town, it features 6m-thick walls and fi ve defensive bastions around its perimeter. e fort remained a British army base until Irish Independence in 1921. You might even chance upon a bride and groom as the heritage site has also become a very popular wedding venue in recent years. www.heritageireland.ie
KAYAKING AND KAYAKING SEA TOURS It doesnít take long to pick up the skill of kayaking and itís a safe and gentle way for all the family to get out on the water. Learn with a tutor or, if competent enough, hire a kayak and explore the waters yourself. ere are many inquisitive seals and dolphins to watch, crags and caves to explore, and great views of the town.
ST MULTOSE CHURCH St Multose Church was built by the Normans in 1190 on the site of a 6th century church. Several victims of the Lusitania sinking are buried in the on-site graveyard and it is recognised as one of Irelandís oldest Church of Ireland churches, with a well preserved exterior.
OLD HEAD SIGNAL TOWER & LUSITANIA GARDEN e Old Head Signal Tower is just over 200 years old, having been built during the Napoleonic wars in response to the threat of a French invasion. e ground fl oor of the signal Tower tells the story of the towers and the Kinsale restoration. e fi rst fl oor of the Tower is devoted to the story of the RMS Lusitania, which was torpedoed during WW1 by a German U-boat on May 7th 1915. Lusitania wreck owner the late Gregg Bemis signed documents to allow the museum take ownership of the wreck. e tower also serves as a panoramic viewing point with access to the roof platform allowing the magnifi cent land and sea vistas to be fully appreciated. It is an ideal point from which to view the protected bird colonies on the western cliff s including puffi ns, guillemots, kittiwakes, peregrines and choughs, as well as the abundant marine wildlife. A stunning ëLusitania gardení was opened in May 2017 at the site, where a bronze sculpture bearing the names of all those who sailed on the Lusitania is a fi tting memorial to remember both those who died and survived the tragedy. Plans are already underway to raise fund to build a new state-of-the art museum there also.
GOLF %#()*+')$,--.,#("#/)%-'%$ Golfers are spoiled for choice in the area with the Old Head of Kinsale and Kinsale Golf Club courses both within easy access. e Old Head of Kinsale is home to a world-class golf course and luxury accommodation which is on many golfersí bucket lists. On a stunning cliff top jutting out into the Atlantic, with the remains of De Courcy Castle at the impressive entrance, a round of golf at the Old Head Golf Links is a rare treat for most. www.oldhead.com. Of course, if your level is closer to the ëPitch & Puttí variety, you might prefer to visit the Garrettstown Old Head Pitch & Putt course, for an enjoyable afternoon near the beach on another very scenic site. For more information: 0214778017 Kinsale Golf Club can trace its origins back to 1880. It is 5km outside the town in a rural setting with stunning views of the countryside. It measures 6,935 yards and consists of two nine-hole loops, fi nishing at the clubhouse. It has hosted major tournaments including the All Ireland Finals of the Cups & Shields in its centenary year, 2012. e club has a full range of practice facilities including a six-bay driving range, putting and chipping greens, a pro shop and catering facilities. Attractive Green Fee rates are available. Situated at Farrangalway. www.kinsalegolf.ie
9/11 GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE (RINGFINNAN) Not to be confused with the Lusitania garden, the Kinsale Garden of Remembrance is just a few minutesí drive from the town centre. e brainchild of Kathleen C·it Murphy, who was a nurse in New York City for over 30 years, the garden lies in the townland of Ringfi nnan. It honours the 343 brave fi refi ghters who lost their lives in 9/11 and there is a tree planted for each of the fi remen who died, as well as one for chaplain Fr Michael Judge. www.facebook.com/ringfi nnan
THE KINSALE HOOKER & MAST e Kinsale Hooker statue on the waterfront is one of the townís bestknown landmarks. ese days, itís a magnet for selfi es. e replica of the famous Hooker-style vessel which dominated the seas of West Cork more than a century ago is as a great spot for ëhooking upí with friends ñ ëSee you at the hooker on the waterfront!í
RETAIL THERAPY Kinsale is a wonderful town for quirky and cute gifts and great independent boutiques, providing a treasure-trove of delightful shops selling crafts, art, books and clothing, from local fashion designers to more conventional outlets. Kinsale Crystal and Kinsale Silver have international reputations for quality craftsmanship and there are galleries on almost every street. FISHING An anglerís delight, the nearby Bandon River has long been a popular destination with beginners and stalwarts alike. It is primarily a salmon and sea trout river, but you can also fi nd brown trout here, from May onwards. Fly fi shing enthusiasts will be thrilled by the location. For more details or booking enquiries, see www.bandonriver. com West Cork in general off ers some of the worldís best deep sea fi shing locations and Kinsale is no exception. Getting on a charter is a great way to enjoy this pastime with likeminded anglers or a group of friends. A charter can usually tailor a trip to suit your needs, whether you prefer to fi sh at sunrise or sunset, charter a full day out, or a short evening trip. Ask locally for details
THE GIANTíS COTTAGE In Chairmanís Lane, not far from the Regional Museum, is the ëlittleí cottage where the Kinsale ëGiantí Patrick Cotter OíBrien lived. He was born in 1760 and died in 1806. At a massive 8ft 1 inches tall, he was the tallest man in the world at the time. A life-size model of Patrick has now been donated to Kinsale Museum by local fi rm Graepels Perforators & Weavers
SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELLING Due to its wonderful location, Kinsale is on the edge of an amazing underworld ñ below the waves, that is! Watch amazing plant and sealife in its own wonderful environment and wonder at the incredible colours that lie beneath. ere are a number of approved PADI venues off ering scuba diving and snorkelling trips. HIRE A BOAT Fancy being the captain of your own destiny for a day? en hire your own boat and head out to sea. ere are a few operators in Kinsale with safe, steady, and fully equipped boats which are also easy to drive, so ideal for a novice. Take one out to go fi shing for a few hours, or enjoy a romantic or family boat trip.
HORSERIDING Whether youíre a fi rst-timer or a regular cowboy, there are plenty of horse-riding options in Kinsale. e excellent riding schools in this area off er the opportunity of a hack or ride-out along bridle paths, in addition to traditional riding lessons. www.kinsale-equestrian.ie
HARBOUR CRUISES Try exploring Kinsale from the water, but this time with someone else taking charge. Kinsaleís harbour cruises off er great views of the historic dual forts of Charles and James and let you view the town from a totally diff erent viewpoint. Jerome Lordan, owner of ëSpirit of Kinsaleí, has been providing excellent commentary on these trips for almost 30 years. www. kinsaleharbourcruises.com EXPLORE THE MAKING & TASTING OF MEAD Mead is considered ëthe drink of Celtic Irelandís Kings and Chieftainsí. Now you can spend an entertaining hour at Irelandís fi rst Meadery in 200 years, located in Kinsale (600m from the tourist offi ce). Taste diff erent honey types and learn about Irelandís ancient bee laws. Explore the making of mead and taste some of their award-winning meads and cocktails. Contact 021-4773538, mail info@kinsalemeadco.ie or book at www.kinsalemeadco.ie
FARMERSí MARKET e Kinsale Farmersí Market takes place at Short Quay from 9am until 2.30pm on Wednesday mornings. Here you will fi nd another busy element of the town as local traders display their home produce, plants, fresh fi sh, home-made sausages, arts and crafts, baked goods and much more amongst the 30 stalls. See Kinsale Farmersí Market on Facebook for more details. THE BATTLE MEMORIAL (ëBRISEADH CEANN TSAILEí ) An invading Elizabethan army defeated a native Irish force at Millwater Crossroads in 1602. To commemorate this, you can fi nd the chieftainís chair, or ëstone of destinyí at the crossroads. After the battle, 1,200 soldiers lay dead in the nearby Ballinamona stream where the millers at Millwater saw the water turn red, as their mill wheel was driven by blood. As a result, they renamed the fort ëAth an Mharaitheí ñ the Ford of Battle Slaughter.
CHALYBEATE WELL IN THE WOODS e Chalybeate Waters are located at the southern end of the Ballinspittle woods. Also known as ë e Spa Bathing Bathí, the well has been restored and has a beehive-style stone roof to protect the healing mineral waters from the weather. e special powers of these waters were discovered in 1750 and many generations believe they have been cured of ailments there.
THE OLD HEAD OF KINSALE is iconic headland features regularly on promotional adverts and videos for Ireland around the world, as it reaches out into the wild Atlantic. ere is a majestic lighthouse poised at the far end of the headland which was established during the 17th century by Robert Reading. e Old Head is the nearest land point to the site of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, and the restored Signal Tower houses a museum about the tragedy, with a pretty memorial garden outside and a sculpture with the names of all her passengers.
VIEWING POINTS FOR SELFIE KINGS AND QUEENS Some of the areas around Kinsale are among those most photographed on the Wild Atlantic Way. From several headlands you can capture many miles of Atlantic coastline, with the Seven Heads to the west, and the Old Head to the east of the town. ere are also plenty of spots for romantic walks, as well as budding photographers and, of course, the obligatory selfi es! GARRETTSTOWN BEACH Garrettstown beach has blue fl ag status, and a growing reputation for surfi ng, and especially for beginners. ere is an on-site surf school, which supplies tuition, boards and equipment for budding surfers and body boarders. ere are summer camps for kids and lessons for all age groups. ere are also SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding) lessons available. e beach is one of the best serviced in West Cork ñ itís easily accessible by steps and ramps and has full facilities and plenty of parking and toilets. www.surfgtown.com
GARRETTSTOWN WOOD & BALLINSPITTLE WOODS A woodland trail runs from Ballinspittle Village through to Garrettstown Wood. Choose from two distances ñ the orange loop (1.5km) takes about 30 mins to complete or the blue loop (5.2km) will take about 1 hour 40 mins. Alternatively, stroll through the woods and then follow the road to the beach and back into Ballinspittle village. If you are feeling even more adventurous, then take a spur off the main walk to Templetrine Church, which dates back to early Christian times. is lovely wood was once part of the great Garrettstown estate. TWIN BEACHES OF GARRYLUCAS AND GARRETTSTOWN Twin beaches mean double the fun. Stroll the beach of Garrettstown and then move onto its sister strand of Garrylucas. ese beautiful and very popular beaches ñ both with Blue Flags fl ying ñ are ideal for fi shing, surfi ng, swimming, or just simple relaxation. e beaches are safe, clean and unspoilt and there are also a number of picnic areas overlooking the bay ñ so bring the fl ask!
GET YOUR SURF LEGS Fancy getting a rush of adrenaline on a sea ëhorseí? Well itís easy in Kinsale where there are many competent surf schools, all ISA (Irish Surfi ng Association) approved. Polish up on your skills or learn a new one. e areaís blue fl ag beaches are ideal for any water-based sports.
TREATS GALORE & MORE THIS SUMMER
Centra Ballinspittle is a locally run family business in the heart of Ballinspittle PH: (021) 477 8266
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BALLINSPITTLE Ballinspittle, or its Irish name of BÈal ¡ tha an SpidÈil, (which means ëtown of the hospitalí) is a pretty little village nicely situated near the award-winning twin beaches of Garrylucas and Garrettstown. Itís also the fi rst village you will meet if you take a turn off the Wild Atlantic Wayís southern route, and it boasts all the crucial services like a butcher, baker, cafÈ, pub and many more shops.
BALLINSPITTLE GROTTO e famous Virgin Mary statue in Ballinspittle celebrated 35 years last summer since it ëmovedí And itís still attracting tourists to its little grotto setting. Almost 100,000 people visited this grotto in 1985 as word spread that Our Lady had moved. e beautiful and much-loved shrine is today a special place of peace and tranquility. But some say the best time to visit it is at twilight ñ to see for yourself if it still ëmovesí.
Belgooly Lively Belgooly is a well-rounded little village just north-east of Kinsale town. Local community services include a church, farm store, post offi ce, pubs and a few shops. Itís a big commuter belt area for city workers. e annual Agricultural Show and also the Steam Rally are well-known annual events that attract big crowds. Check out the quirky monument called ëHis Masterís Voiceí on the Kinsale side of the town. Once described as ëfour concrete pipes and a statue of a man and dogí, it was designed by sculptor Declan Breen. e River Stick fl ows on the western side of Belgooly, and gives its name to another local village. Oysterhaven It is believed that Oysterhaven played a key role in the Siege of Kinsale, as the inlet where English forces landed their supplies and reinforcements. Today, Oysterhaven is also famous for its watersports centre, off ering a variety of aquatic and land-based activities to locals and visitors alike. Nohoval
Nohoval is another one of the friendly villages indicative of the many pretty hamlets in this region. e coastline here is rugged and wild, with charming sunsets and sunrises that are perfect for Wild Atlantic Way fans ñ and fans of photography. Expect to fi nd many visiting snappers on this route searching for the perfect shot. ey often make a beeline for Nohoval Cove ñ an atmospheric and pretty inlet, surrounded by crags and caves, but beware it can be slippy and the waves can be unpredictable.
