Kinsale is considered the Gourmet Capital of Ireland by many. Visitors are captivated by the town's setting, narrow streets, long waterfronts, slate-clad houses and 2 forts. One of the best surviving examples of a star shaped fort in Europe is Charles Fort built in the 1670's by the English to protect Kinsale. The other fort is James Fort now in partial ruin. Together these magnificent Forts protected Kinsales Inner Harbour for centuries. The forts and surrounding hills overlook the natural harbour of great beauty where the Bandon river turns south towards the sea.

The best place to start learning more about Kinsale is at our Local Chamber of Tourism Website at http://www.kinsale.ie we look forward to seeing you if you do decide to visit us on Irelands sunny south coast.