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7 TOP THINGS to do in Kinsale

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    As you tour Ireland, you can’t possibly miss visiting Kinsale. Jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, picking what to see in Kinsale may be difficult for tourists with limited time.

    Amble along with me as my Kinsale blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Kinsale.

    An itinerary of 2 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Kinsale. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Here is a combined list of best tourist places in Kinsale as well as some of the best things to do in Kinsale.

    1. Charles Fort

    Charles Fort

    A centuries-old ruined fortress perched on top of a hill.

    You can follow the hiking trail which leads to this old fort. Not much to see actually only the foundation stones lying bare in this historic fort ruin.

    Quick Facts:

    • Some of the things Charles Fort features include an interesting star-shaped design.
    • The fort ruins was built somewhere around 1670s.
    • The fort ruins was opened on 1670.

    Address: Summercove, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland

    2. James’s Fort

    James’s Fort

    Offering fantastic views of the area, James’s Fort are the remains of an old fort perched atop a cliff.

    To get there, follow the well marked hiking trail, or simply follow the wave of people going in the same direction. Not much to see actually only the foundation stones lying bare in this historic fort ruin.

    Quick Facts:

    • The fort ruins is located near the harbor.
    • The fort ruins was built somewhere around 1607.

    A natural crowd puller, James’s Fort is right up there in the list of best things to do in Kinsale.

    Address: Old-Fort, Co. Cork, Ireland

    3. Dermot Ryan’s Kinsale Heritage Town Walks

    Dermot Ryan’s Kinsale Heritage Town Walks

    Who says it ain’t good if it’s free? Take the free Kinsale tour and you will realize how good it is.

    The tour originates near the main square and touches the important attractions nearby. This brilliant walking tour is actually led by the local young populace.

    Needless to say, it is strongly recommended that you tip the guide afterwards.

    Address: Tourist Information Office, Pier Road, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland

    4. Garretstown Beach

    Garretstown Beach

    A nice wide beach, Garretstown Beach has all the amenities you need to make for a great experience.

    Remember, this is an award winning Blue Flag beach with amenities such as showers, lifeguard towers, drinking water and medical faciility. There are restaurant at the beach serving nice local cuisines.

    5. Irish Veterans Museum

    Irish Veterans Museum

    Irish Veterans Museum is a museum with unique collection situated in Kinsale.
    Add it to your Kinsale trip if you have time.

    Address: The Glen, Sleveen, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 YX24, Ireland

    6. The Kinsale Museum

    The Kinsale Museum

    An informative museum located in Kinsale.

    The collection includes artefacts related with the history of the region.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Kinsale Museum is housed in a 16th-century building.

    Address: 6 Market Square, Sleveen, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 HV26, Ireland

    7. Sandycove Island

    Sandycove Island

    Sandycove Island is a serene island, known for its scenic beauty, located out in the open sea.

    You will get to see some of the fantastic views of the sea.

    And to top it off, the boat trip to Sandycove Island itself is really enjoyable. Snorkeling is a particularly popular activity here.

    Quick Facts:

    • The small island was built somewhere around 17th-century.
    • The small island houses the Kinsale Regional Museum.

    If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Kinsale trip.

    But beyond the famous attractions in Kinsale, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Kinsale for everyone.

    And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Kinsale can be easily covered in a short itinerary. So what are Kinsale sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.

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