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Neighborhood · Kinsale, Cork
Centro de Kinsale
The historic centre of Kinsale, with narrow streets and colourful houses between the harbour and the hill, featuring Desmond Castle, the Norman church of St Multose and seafood restaurants.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro de Kinsale
Kinsale's centre spreads between the harbour at the mouth of the River Bandon and the slope of Compass Hill, with narrow, winding streets, houses painted in bright colours, flowerpots in the windows and hand-painted signs. The town was an important port from the Middle Ages, trading wine with France and Spain, and served as an English naval base in the 17th and 18th centuries.
On Cork Street stands Desmond Castle, a tower house from the early 16th century that served as a customs house, as a magazine during the Battle of Kinsale and as a prison for French and American sailors in the 18th century. It houses an exhibition on the history of wine and maritime trade, open at certain times of year. Nearby, the church of St Multose, from the 12th century, is one of the oldest churches in Ireland still in use, built by the Normans.
Market Street, Main Street and Pearse Street concentrate craft shops, galleries and pubs. Kinsale has been known for decades for its restaurants, serving fish and seafood from the Cork coast, and usually hosts a food festival in October.
On the waterfront the marina receives yachts and fishing boats, and boat trips around the bay depart in season. The Compass Hill Walk, a short trail above the town, offers views over the harbour and the bay.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours for the centre, Desmond Castle and the church of St Multose.
Best time
In the morning head to the quieter streets, and in the evening to the restaurants. Boat trips run from May to September. Desmond Castle is open part of the year; check ahead.
How to get there
The centre is next to the harbour, and buses from Cork stop on Pier Road. Everything is walkable; there are car parks along the waterfront.
Tip
Book dinner on summer weekends: restaurants tend to get full. Walk up Compass Hill in the late afternoon to see the harbour and the colourful houses from above.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro de Kinsale
What is Desmond Castle?
A tower house from the early 16th century in the centre of Kinsale, which served as a customs house, storehouse and prison. Today it has an exhibition about the wine trade and is open part of the year.
Is Kinsale good for food?
Yes. The town is known for its fish and seafood restaurants, and usually hosts a food festival in October.
Are there boat trips?
Yes, in season, around the bay and even to the harbour entrance, departing from the waterfront. Schedules depend on sea conditions.