LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Kinsale is world renowned as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, boasting many excellent restaurants.

As one wanders through the quaint streets music can be heard overflowing from the traditional Irish pubs. Most pubs offer nightly entertainment ensuring an evening of “craic agus ceol”. The narrow winding streets are filled with craft shops waiting to be discovered.

There are a wide variety of things to do in Kinsale:-

GOLF
Kinsale has 3 golf courses.

Ringenane, Kinsale
Two miles from Kinsale off the Cork road, operated by Kinsale Golf Club, Ringenane is a 9-hole course. Green fees £10 per round, club hire £7.50, caddie cars £2. Telephone 021 4772197.

Farrangalway, Kinsale
Home of Kinsale Golf Club, Farrangalway is an 18-hole parkland course. Lesson available from professional Ger Broderick. Telephone to check availability especially at weekends. Telephone 021 4774722.

There are lovely scenic walking trails - Scilly walk is perhaps the best known of these. This walking trail leads to Charles Fort, which is a 17th Century star-shaped fort. There are guided tours available of the fort.

Walking tours leave from outside the tourist office daily at 11.15am and 2.15pm.

One hour harbour cruises available aboard the new luxury vessel "Spirit of Kinsale" out to the harbour entrance and up the Bandon river. Commentary, music, bar and snacks. Enclosed lower deck with carpeted, deluxe lounge and open air top deck. Available for coach groups and private charters. Telephone 021 4773188.

Desmond Castle and Wine Museum is open to the public from mid-April to early October. The Castle houses an interesting range of wines produced by Irish emigrants and their descendants.

The Oysterhaven Activity Centre offer a range of watersports - sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and many more.

Kinsale is the base for some of the best scuba diving sites on the south west coast. A Padi Dive Centre operates from Castlepark Marina Centre. The centre operates from a new, purpose-built 43ft Aquastar dive boat and has a 7.5m RIB with all diving instrumentation. Dive equipment can be hired or bought and cylinders filled. During the summer months newcomers can take a 3 hour "Discover Scuba" course to experience life underwater for the first time. In one session you can learn the basics, hire all the equipment, and experience a trial dive from the beach at Castlepark. These sessions are held daily with a qualified instructor who works with small groups of divers. There are also PADI Open Water courses which take four days. Telephone 021 4774959.

Sail Ireland Charters provide day sails on luxury yachts - sail out of Kinsale Harbour past Charles Fort and James Fort to explore the beautiful Irish coastline. Marvel at spectacular cliffs, enjoy the tranquillity of Oysterhaven Bay or sail out to the famous Old Head of Kinsale.

Based at the Trident Hotel, Sail Ireland has a fleet of yachts from 35 ft to 50ft. Day, half day or evening sails with Skipper for groups and individuals. From £15 per person or £80 per yacht for a half day sailing. also bareboat, weekly and weekends. Visit the Trident Marine and see the yachts.