Things to do in Kinsale Town Centre

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Megan Conner
Photo by Megan Conner
Photo by Michael Breen
Photo by Michael Breen
Photo by Adlin
Photo by Adlin
Photo by Adlin
Photo by Adlin
Photo by Henry McCrea
Photo by Henry McCrea

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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 heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

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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Situated by the banks of the River Lee, University College Cork is a gorgeous, ornate gothic structure with a rich reputation for academic excellence.

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 food, markets and interior views

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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While County Cork is not short on medieval history, you will only find one Blarney Stone. Located roughly five miles northwest of Cork, the stone is said to have mythical qualities. Legend has it that the Blarney Stone grants the gift of eloquence to anybody who kisses it.

5. 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

6. 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 which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and interior views

What to do in Kinsale Town Centre

Popular places to visit

Charles Fort featuring tranquil scenes, heritage architecture and a bridge

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
James Fort

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
Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance

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 lively bars.

Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance

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

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

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

Kinsale Regional Museum and Courthouse

You can study the exhibits at Kinsale Regional Museum and Courthouse, 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.

Kinsale Regional Museum and Courthouse

Kinsale Rugby Club

You can take time to visit Kinsale Rugby Club during your travels to Kinsale. Stroll along the waterfront in this relaxing area or visit its lively bars.

Kinsale Rugby Club

Saint Multose Church

5/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of Kinsale Town Centre with a stop at Saint Multose Church. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

Saint Multose Church
Charles Fort which includes a bay or harbour, boating and a coastal town

Kinsale