History of O'Farrells Town House - Kinsale

The historic seaport of Kinsale which nestles at the mouth of the tranquil and picturesque Bandon River has seen many changes over the centuries. Its medieval streets radiate out from the Church Square where Saint Multose Church which has a record of over nine hundred years of worship is situated.

The first recorded visitors, to what was originally a humble fishing village were a group of Scandinavian tourists on a fishing and shopping expedition to the Emerald Isle. Needless to say with the absence of a ferry, these visitors had to come the hard way resorting to rowing or sailing and alas in those days 'Duty Free' had not been established. Many of these tourists later settled down and lent a Nordic flavour to the locals. Several present day place names are of Scandinavian origin.

A little later, more tourists arrived from Normandy and Britain, and these again found our shores rather inviting. They greatly enjoyed the local offerings and many of them settled down while their successors later helped create a more enduring Anglo-Irish community. They also established the more permanent fixtures like Desmond Castle, James and Charles Forts, which were considered essential for the collection of taxes and keeping unruly visitors at bay. Whilst the locals became acquainted with the delights of the potato, tobacco and fine continental wines, it was some time before the gourmet side of life came to fruition.

Down through history the town tended to attract many famous kings, leaders, generals and admirals from all over, who needless to say arrived with troops, guns, flags and drums. Fortunately they all departed again, but Desmond Castle together with the two Forts, James and Charles, looked much the worse for wear and somewhat resembled Swiss cheese.

Still the town was enriched with all the comings and goings. Later an outstanding tradition of hospitality evolved, which combined the many traditions and customs enabling Kinsale become established as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland.

O'Farrells Town House, some 200 years ago was built on the foundations of the old town walls. It was later remodelled as a Church, for the Primitive Weslyian Society in Ireland before becoming a Corn Merchant's Town House and finally a 'family home' for several generations.

15 Main Street,
Kinsale,
Co. Cork.
Ireland.
Tel / Fax: 353+21+4774169
Email: bettyofarrell@eircom.net

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