Things to do in Kinsale Town Centre

Activities, attractions and tours

Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale (from the Irish, Ceann tSaile – ‘Head of the Sea’) is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland. Kinsale is in County Cork in the province of Munster and just 25km from Cork City and Cork International Airport, and is the gateway to scenic ‘West Cork’ and the start/finish point of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way,’ the 2,500km coastal journey from Kinsale, Co Cork to Inishowen, Co Donegal. https://www.kinsale.ie/
Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale (from the Irish, Ceann tSaile – ‘Head of the Sea’) is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland. Kinsale is in County Cork in the province of Munster and just 25km from Cork City and Cork International Airport, and is the gateway to scenic ‘West Cork’ and the start/finish point of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way,’ the 2,500km coastal journey from Kinsale, Co Cork to Inishowen, Co Donegal. https://www.kinsale.ie/
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Top places to visit

1. Blarney Castle

Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.
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Blarney Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture

2. University College Cork

Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.
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University College Cork which includes interior views, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

3. English Market

Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.
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English Market showing interior views and markets as well as a small group of people

4. Blarney Stone

Embedded into the moss and lichen-speckled battlements of Blarney Castle, in the small village of the same name, kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy feat. This is particularly true for anyone with a fear of heights as kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over the castle walls to reach it with one’s lips. Nevertheless, this has not stopped countless individuals from doing so over the centuries, in their quest for the gift of the gab.
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Blarney Stone showing heritage elements, building ruins and a castle

5. Cork City Gaol

Visit Cork City Gaol, where prisoners were held in gruesome conditions for almost a century during the 1800s and 1900s. Learn about this historic prison’s famous inmates, their crimes, escapes and executions while walking between the well-preserved cells. Cork City Goal opened in 1824 and became an all-female prison in 1878. It held a mix of well-known prisoners and poor citizens, many convicted of petty crimes such as stealing clothes and food.
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Cork City Gaol featuring interior views, an administrative buidling and heritage elements

6. Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is an expansive rural setting where exotic animals roam and interact with one another. It focuses on conservation and improving the quality of life of the animals with vast spaces and unobtrusive barriers. Bring the kids to this picturesque island zoo to see giraffes, wild cats and primates.
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Fota Wildlife Park which includes land animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people

What to do in Kinsale Town Centre

Popular places to visit

Old head of Kinsale

Old Head Golf Links

4/5(7 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Kinsale at Old Head Golf Links. Stroll along the waterfront in this relaxing area or visit its lively bars.

Old Head Golf Links
Charles Fort which includes heritage architecture, a bridge and tranquil scenes

Charles Fort

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Now a national monument with exhibition center, this 17th-century military stronghold has witnessed some of Ireland's most significant events.

Charles Fort
Desmond Castle Kinsale West Cork Ireland

Desmond Castle

4/5(1 review)

Find out about the history of Kinsale Town Centre when you spend time at Desmond Castle. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Desmond Castle
Golfers at 18th green, Old Head Golf Club in Kinsale, County Cork

Kinsale Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Kinsale at Kinsale Golf Club. Amble around this relaxing area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Kinsale Golf Club
9/11 Remembered with planted trees for each Fireman lost. #Adventure

Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance

Learn about the local history of Kinsale with a stop at Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance. Stroll along the waterfront in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance

The Kinsale Museum

You can study the exhibits at The Kinsale Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Kinsale Town Centre. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

The Kinsale Museum

Old Head Signal Tower

3/5(1 review)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Old Head Signal Tower in Kinsale. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

Old Head Signal Tower

James Fort

4/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Kinsale with a stop at James Fort. Stroll along the waterfront in this relaxing area or visit its lively bars.

James Fort

Saint Multose Church

5/5(1 review)

After visiting Saint Multose Church, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kinsale Town Centre. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

Saint Multose Church

Frequently asked questions

Is Kinsale Town Centre worth visiting?
Famous for its shopping and bars and pubs, finding awesome things to do in Kinsale Town Centre is easy. Be sure to add Kinsale Regional Museum and Courthouse to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Kinsale Town Centre?
Kick your day off with a visit to Kinsale Regional Museum and Courthouse and James Fort. Then, tour different parts of Kinsale Town Centre for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kinsale Town Centre?
You can't leave without visiting Kinsale Regional Museum and Courthouse, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kinsale Town Centre.
Is three days enough to stay in Kinsale Town Centre?
Three days in Kinsale Town Centre is enough to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Kinsale Regional Museum and Courthouse, Kinsale Golf Club and Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Cork.
What are some activities to do in Kinsale Town Centre with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Kinsale Town Centre with kids.

What to do in Kinsale Town Centre for adults?
Lusitania Memorial Garden is one of the main things to do in Kinsale Town Centre. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Kinsale Town Centre?
In Kinsale Town Centre, Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance is a popular spot for anyone planning to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Kinsale Town Centre.