Jim Edward
Jim Edward Book now Opening days: 7 days a week The Edwards family have been catering to the folk of Kinsale since 1971. The...
Experience the world famous Old Head of Kinsale
The starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way, the vibrant town of Kinsale is one of the top stops along Ireland’s coast. Location may be a contributing factor, but the passion and pride of its community has secured Kinsales place as a sought after destination. The town celebrates creativity & innovation through its Arts, Food, and experiences. Luckily for natives and visitors alike, this leads to a plethora of options to fill their day. The community offers scores of different activities, with a yacht filled harbour shadowed by 17th century forts, a world class golf course, thriving tourism and a quick commute to the city, people never want to leave.
Our intent is to ensure all visitors have a wonderful experience, and we love to see people returning to explore some more. Wrap up in a Helly Hansen jacket (a Kinsale favourite) and enjoy Kinsale like a native Kinsalian.
The starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way, the vibrant town of Kinsale is one of the top stops along Ireland’s coast. Location may be a contributing factor, but the passion and pride of its community has secured Kinsales place as a sought after destination. The town celebrates creativity & innovation through its Arts, Food, and experiences. Luckily for natives and visitors alike, this leads to a plethora of options to fill their day. The community offers scores of different activities, with a yacht filled harbour shadowed by 17th century forts, a world class golf course, thriving tourism and a quick commute to the city, people never want to leave.
Our intent is to ensure all visitors have a wonderful experience, and we love to see people returning to explore some more. Wrap up in a Helly Hansen jacket (a Kinsale favourite) and enjoy Kinsale like a native Kinsalian.
Annual Events
(Dates vary each year)
Spring:
Mid March: St Patrick’s Day Parade & Maritime Parade
April: Kinsale Street Food Festival
May Bank Holiday – Heineken Kinsale Sevens
Summer:
Late June- Sovereign Cup Sailing Regatta
July – Kinsale Arts Week
Mid July – ‘King of the Hill’ Sprint distance Triathlon
August Bank Holiday – Kinsale Regatta
Mid August – Heritage Week
Autumn:
Mid September – Kinsale Lions Club Walking Festival
Late September – Kinsale Sharks Awards
Early October – Words by Water Literary Festival
Mid October – Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival & Mad Hatters Taste of Kinsale
October Bank Holiday – Kinsale Jazz Festival
Winter:
Late February – Moet & Chandon Kinsale Restaurant week
Restaurants
Kinsale has long been associated with great restaurants. We have curated a list that we feel our guests will enjoy. From the best pizza to fine dining. As with Perryville House, all our dining suggestions are family owned and run and in almost all cases the proprietors are always on the premises. They are listed in no particular order so please feel free to ask us anything you wish to know. Bookings are essential for all our suggestions.
Supper Club
Supper Club Tuesday to Saturday from 5.30 pm and bank holiday sundays. Bookings Via: Tel: +353 021 470 9233 or thesupperclubkinsale@gmail.com A trendy, yet relaxed...
Brunos
Brunos Open Thurs – Monday from 5pm Book via Tel: +353 21 4777138 A charming, cozy, Italian restaurant. They consistently serve the best pizza and...
The Bulman
The Bulman Open Tuesday to Saturday lunch and dinner. Sunday just Lunch. Book Online: www.bulman.ie Phone +353 214777769 Situated on the waterfront, about 2km from...
Fishy Fishy
Fishy Fishy Book now Opening days: Wednesday – Sunday Inclusive. The name is indicative to what this restaurant is all about. All produce...
St Francis Provisions
St Francis Provisions Book now Opening days: Wednesday to Saturday, dinner from 5pm. Sometimes do pop ups on a Sunday. In its few short...
The Black Pig
The Black Pig Wednesday – Saturday 5.30 – 11.30pm Booking Online www.theblackpigwinebar.com A rustically stylish wine bar, with a great selection of wines from around...
Bastion
Bastion Opening – Thursday – Sunday inclusive Book Online: www.bastionkinsale.com/ Kinsales first Michelin Star restaurant. Family run, with head chef Paul in the kitchen, and...
Finns Farmcut
Finns Farmcut Book now Opening days: Tuesday to Saturday for Dinner. The Finn family takes a farm to fork narrative when it comes to...
Man Friday
MAN FRIDAY Tuesday- Saturday inclusive from 5pm to 9pm Also open bank holiday Sundays. Bookings Online: www.manfridaykinsale.ie/ or by phone +353 021 4772260 Operating since...
Cafes and take away coffee
For lighter bites during the day, you’ll find many options throughout the town.
Koko Kinsale
Koko Kinsale Open daily until 6pm. Indulge in some handmade chocolate created in the store. Conventional treats alongside some locally inspired choices too. This family...
Lemon Leaf
Lemon Leaf Open Mon – Sat until 4:30pm A traditional cafe, with a large menu, from lighter bites to main courses. Great food, great service,...
Wild and Tame
Wild and Tame 7 days – 8am – 3:00pm Originally only trading on the outskirts of Kinsale, in a colorfully renovated horse box, Wild and...
U-Food
U-Food 7 days – 8am – 3.45pm A little deli style cafe along the pier, relaxed and comfortable. Great selection of seafood boxes, crab /...
OHK
OHK Thursday to Monday inclusively Book Online: www.oherlihyskinsale.com A humble cafe with a simple, yet delicious daytime menu created with an emphasis on local produce....
Pubs
Pubs & bars have been on the decline in Ireland in recent years, but Kinsale has managed to maintain a wealth of bars to choose from. Many of these watering holes are homed in beautiful old buildings that have been preserved throughout the years. ‘Ceol agus Craic’ (Music & a good time) is provided nightly in Kinsale.
Kitty O’Se’s
Kitty O’Se’s Kitty O’Se’s is a social institution in Kinsale, it has a sister bar in Killarney of the same name. Live music nightly, lively...
Daltons
Daltons Daltons is a charming bar in the center of town. Weekly trad sessions, an open fire, and friendly atmosphere makes Daltons a welcoming and...
Lord Kingsale
Lord Kingsale Another Kinsale bar that offers old world charm, located along main street, its walls are filled with old photos and local memorabilia. Stereotypical...
The Dock Bar
The Dock The Dock bar is located in Castlepark, beside the beach and James fort. It’s a bright spacious bar, with a nice beer garden.
The Tap Tavern
The Tap Tavern The Tap Tavern is one of the best examples of the classic Irish ‘local’ bars around. It’s been run by the same...
Sams Bar
Sams Bar Music, lively, snug areas, Hawaiian shirt Graham on cocktails, popular with locals, cash only, chit chat of the regulars plays across the room
The Greyhound & The Market Bar
The Greyhound & The Market Bar The Greyhound is one of the oldest bars in Ireland, its License stretches back to 1690, the building is...
The Spaniard
The Spaniard Since 1650, The Spaniard has stood overlooking Kinsale Town. A quaint bar with old world charm. Ideal for pre or post dinner drinks...
Activities
Kinsale Market Day
Wednesdays 9am – 3pm.
Located directly across from Perryville House, the town car park turns into a buzzing hive of activity every Wednesday morning through to the afternoon. Rub shoulders with the locals, and browse some of Kinsales diverse craft range. Great for an al fresco lunch, with many dining options available, including Italian, Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican & Irish of course.
Sauna on the beach
As the healthy lifestyle has been trending across Ireland, a diverse range of businesses have submerged. Year round ocean swimming, being one of the biggest trends in recent years, opened a market for the mobile Sauna, a great way to warm up your bones after a chilly dip, or vice versa, depending on preference.
Garretstown (Sauna)
Book online: www.wildwellness.ie
Wood fired sauna located on the beach of Garretstown. (15 mins drive from Perryville)
Run from the sauna into the cold atlantic ocean.
Oysterhaven (Sauna)
Book Online via: https://www.myhaven.ie
Phone 086 772 1444
More secluded place for a sauna with a pier for a quicker dip into the sea. (10 minute drive from Perryville). The owner Paul is very charming.
- Watch Sun set from Charles Fort
- Pottery Classes
- Rent electric bikes https://wildatlanticsports.com/
- Whale watching
- Foot golf – Ringnanean
Walks
Being situated along the coast, Kinsale offers some breathtaking scenery which can be appreciated best by foot. The walks mentioned below are all leisurely and there isn’t anything too strenuous.
Wander around the town
Kinsale has umpteen little side streets with hidden treasures, small shops, colourful buildings, galleries and murals.
Walk the scilly Walk.
Loop along the high road (40 mins – 1 hour)
Leaving Perryville, cross the road and take a left along the water. Keep along this path until you reach the Spaniard bar, decline down the road and walk along Scilly walk along the water’s edge, at the end of this path, you can turn right to Summercove (The Bulman Bar (5min) / Charlesfort (10 min)), or left and take the highroad back towards The
Charles fort to hang mans point
Walk along the left handside of Charles fort, cross the small bridge and walk towards the boat yard. Walk along the beach towards the boat yard, at the end of the beach, take a right and then 50metres on your left there is a path. Follow this path until you come to a small group of houses. Walk down and when you come to a t-junction (Right down to a beach and left up the hill). Walk up the hill for 20 or 30 metres and you will see a small path into the bushes on your righthand side. Follow it and you will come on a path along the coast. Follow right to the end and you will come out at the mouth of Kinsale harbour.
To Dock Beach up to James Fort
Take a left and walk along the water, (from here you just need to keep going left until you get to The Dock Bar) passing through the Trident hotel.
Keep walking adjacent to the water.
Cross the bridge and take an immediate left towards Castlepark.
You will come to the Dock Bar, and easily find access to the beach.
When entering the beach, take a trail in the left corner to go up along to James Fort, this area offers a lovely aspect of Kinsale, this part of the walk is looped and you should exit again by The Dock Bar, rather than back on the beach.
Sandycove – Hiking to graveyard
Sandycove is located about 3km outside of Kinsale. This walk offers outstanding views across the Atlantic Ocean. To get to Sandycove you cross the bridge leaving Kinsale, take a right towards the Old Head, then take your first left, first right, and hug the water for the rest of the drive until you arrive at a build up area, with a beach overlooking a small Island. From here you can follow a small path beside the cottage which goes along the coast. About 1km along you will arrive at the graveyard.
Tours
Fishing / Boat Tour
Fishing / Boat Tour – Kinsale Wellness on Water – www.kinsalewow.com Email: hi@kinsalewow.com Phone: 087 921 3895 Charter a boat skippered by the entertaining Brian...
Kinsale Harbour Cruise
Kinsale Harbour Cruise – Daily form 1 pm – www.kinsaleharbourcruises.com Offers an inexpensive way of seeing Kinsale from the water that it was built around....
Don & Barrys Historic Stroll
Don & Barrys Historic Stroll Kinsale played an important role in Irish, English & Spanish history. Both guides are a joy to hear as they...
Ghost Tour
Ghost Tour Kinsale Ghost Tours provides a different sort of tour involving Monty Python style slapstick comedy, rather than horror. Meet at the Tap Tavern...
Notable Shops & Galleries
Shops & Art
Marnie & Lilly
Weavers
The Gallery Kinsale
Scilly Art
The Boat House
Gallery 23
Boland Crafts
Kinsale Woolen Mills
Mamukko
Gigs in Prims
Beautiful bookshop in town. Mainly deals in second hand books. Puts on 2 / 3 candlelight acoustic gigs every month. Beautiful atmosphere. Check out upcoming gigs on Instagram
Eoin O’Connor
Bright, colorful paintings with an almost quirky sense of humor, majorly themed around Irish country life. A vast selection of merchandise available in store.
Granny’s Bottom Drawer
Design and crafts from exclusive Irish & European producers. Beautifully curated collections for people who love quality. Wool, Cashmere, Knitwear, Homeware
The Wine Buff (get proper store name)
Selection of wine, and gifts, and Voya products that we use in house.
Giles Norman
Giles Norman’s distinctive portfolio, full of primarily grayscale imagery ranges from traditional landscapes to bold abstract pieces – capturing delicate textures and intimate tones. His work journeys beyond the wild Irish shores, capturing the city life of London, Paris, Florence, Venice, Rome and New York.
La Bougie
Aromatics- Candles, Oils, Scents, Body Lotions
There is a world of difference between a La Bougie perfume and the mass produced fragrances of the High Street. Created entirely by Lucy Hagerty in her Kinsale perfumery using prized aromatics and botanical oils from around the world.
Rain – Natural Skin Care
Rain is a proudly South African international brand. Coming from humble beginnings in 1999, the brand has grown organically to include 30 stores internationally today. With an ethos on sustainability and natural ingredients, their products leave you feeling nourished.
Giles Norman
Giles Norman’s distinctive portfolio, full of primarily grayscale imagery ranges from traditional landscapes to bold abstract pieces – capturing delicate textures and intimate tones. His work journeys beyond the wild Irish shores, capturing the city life of London, Paris, Florence, Venice, Rome and New York.
Outside Kinsale
Points of interest
The Finders Inn – (10km)
Nohoval
The English Market
The Lifeboat Inn – (29km)
Courtmacsherry Wild – (9km)
Ballinspittle
Chestnut Ballydehob
PilgrimsRosscarbery
Dedes Baltimore
Rohus Innishannon
Wildflour Bakery
Farmers Markets
Clonakilty
Mahon Point
Bandon
Midelton
The Marina Cork
Ballymaloe House (58km)
Ballymaloe House is a family run country house which has become a national treasure. Apart from the fine dining restaurant and luxurious accommodation, Ballymaloe also has a cookery school, making dishes with produce from their own garden. Their products are pantry favourites across Irish house holds.
Cork City Recommendations
Ichigo Ichie
Book Via: www.ichigoichie.ie
Michelin star Japanese restaurant in Cork City, mixes long-standing Japanese traditions with more modern touches. Irish ingredients, including supreme quality fish and shellfish are cleverly balanced with time-honoured Japanese techniques.
Cork City Recommendations
Pigalle
Book Via: www.pigallebarandkitchen.com
A few years in the making, but Pigalle has become one of Corks must try restaurants. A kindly-lit venue with a relaxing ambience. Their menu is constantly evolving, led by the best of seasonal, natural and locally supplied produce.
Cork City Recommendations
The Glass Curtain
Book Via: www.theglasscurtain.ie
Based in the Victorian Quarter, this Michelin recommended restaurant says ‘flavour is our holy grail’. The interiors are enchanting and nod at the historic Thompsons Bakery which occupied the building since 1826. Continuing as a culinary institution focusing on local, seasonal produce, they celebrate the best Cork has to offer. Small and Big plates can be ordered to share or devoured solo.