Location: Kinsale
Top Things to do in Kinsale
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Top 10 Tours in Kinsale, Province of Munster
Kinsale (/kɪnˈseɪl/; Irish: Cionn tSáile, meaning "Tide Head") is a historic port and fishing town in County Cork, Ireland, which also has significant military history. Located approximately 25 km south of Cork City on the coast near the Old Head of Kinsale, it sits at the mouth of the River Bandon and had a population of 5,281 at the 2016 census. Its population increases during the summer months when the tourist season is at its peak and when the boating fraternity and other tourist visitors arrive in numbers. Kinsale is in the Cork South–West (Dáil Éireann) constituency, which has three seats.
Restaurants in Kinsale
1. Half-day drop-in pottery classes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Have you wanted to try your hand at making pottery but haven't had time or the opportunity? Why not visit Kinsale Pottery while you're staying in the local area and spend three hours in the pottery with one of our small team of skilled potters? In this session, you will have the chance to make two or three pieces, including the chance to try the potter's wheel. What you make will then be dried, biscuit fired, glazed and glaze fired over a one-week period. You can either drop in and collect your work a week or so later, or it can be shipped at cost. Typically, the cost of shipping is around €15 in Europe and €25 to the US. While you're here, enjoy our fantastic views, and browse for take-home gifts in the Coach House Gallery which exhibits the work of Adrian Wistreich, ceramicist.
Inclusions: Light refreshments, All materials, Equipment, Aprons - but wear old clothing, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Shipping of your pottery - this can be booked during the class, but must be paid for at that time, based on weight and destination address. Typically, shipping to the US is approximately €25pp (or less if this includes several people at one address.
Reviewed By ChoColettes
I booked this course for €195 expecting Michael Ray to be teaching. I was contacted by Jacinta Ryan a few days before the start date as she was now to take the course. Although a nice lady she certainly is not an expert in glass fusing and I spent the weekend a little confused. I didn’t feel she was qualified to answer my questions fully, there were no training notes and I left feeling I needed another course. The centre offered tea and coffee but no lunch, it would have been nice to have known this in advance so I could have brought some with me. The course is ok if you want a one-off weekend to have a go at fusing but not if you really want to learn. Have booked another course elsewhere.
2. 5-Day Spectacular South and West Small-Group Tour of Ireland from Dublin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Your Irish Experience begins here! Come on a 5-day small group tour (14 people max) of the South and West coast of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way. You will have an unforgettable experience exploring everything from kayaking with dolphins in Dingle Bay to the magnificent sights on the Ring of Kerry. Prepare to be awestruck by Ireland’s most famous landmark – The Cliffs of Moher, fall in love with the bustling bohemian Galway City. Our Spectacular South and West trip explores a diverse range of scenery, castles, adventure, history, heritage and culture. This small group tour of Ireland has it all. Our expert guides have hand-picked the best the South and West has to offer for your tour around Ireland – leaving you with enough time to indulge in the delights of Dublin City. This tour has so much to offer and never disappoints.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4 nights local guesthouse accommodation, carefully selected by our team, Great breakfast each day, Professional qualified Irish tour guide throughout your trip, Cliffs of Moher hike, Kayak excursion in Dingle Bay, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Stone, Hiking, Distillery tour, Local taxes and charges, Air-conditioned luxury mini coach to all locations, Loads of 'Craic' = Fun!, All outdoor activities are weather dependent no refund will be provided if activities are not going ahead
Exclusions: Lunch and dinners, Gratuities, Horseback riding, Flights to Ireland
Reviewed By russ2jen
Sadly, in these uncertain days of Coronavirus, I had to cancel my upcoming tour. The team at Overland Ireland were compassionate and understanding in working out the details so as to minimize losses all around. Flexible reschedule options into next year were offered as well. This is the kind of small company to support.
3. Bushcraft Skills Day
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
WeresieBear Adventures are the number one bushcraft and survival adventure team on the Wild Atlantic Way!
Inclusions: use of basic equipment included , We supply some basic foods to keep you going.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By saeb38
We spent a fantastic day learning about foraging on land and sea. We learnt what is good to eat (good being debatable) and more important what not to eat. We had some fails, we couldn’t catch fish or cage a lobster but what we did get was brilliant. We cooked it up at the beach and ate what we had found. Mussels, limpets,Perry wince and seaweed. It all tasted really good. Our guide was brilliant and full of outdoor knowledge. Great day out and lots of fun.
4. Private luxury tour Cork - Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale, Timoleague Abbey & more
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Discover the Wild Atlantic Way and historic Kinsale and west Cork on this 7 hour private luxury tour. Explore the magnificent and scenic Charles "Star Shaped" Fort, uncover the ancient ruins of Timoleague Abbey and wander the colourful, narrow streets and laneways of the medieval town of Kinsale. All this while meandering along the Wild Atlantic Way and rolling countryside of west Cork.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cork City and area including Castlemartyr, Fota, Cobh, Longueville House and Kinsale., Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By PaigePags
We just got home from spending 5 days with Ronan from Gan Tours! Words are not enough to express how much more (more of everything) Ronan made our trip. There were five ladies on this trip; he had his hands full with us, and he couldn't have been more courteous, pleasant, polite, charming, knowledgeable, and considerate. He was an excellent driver and would regale us with tales of Irish history,fascinating Irish politics, and stories along our journey across Ireland as we drove to the many typical sites of a first visit (Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, King John's Castle, Killarney, Dingle, and more). We often made many side stops to take in the wonders of Ireland. Ronan knew all of the spots and took us to some off the beaten path places to see more of the scenic landscapes we all clamored to see. On our first day, Ronan suggested a change in the schedule to accommodate the weather we were having to maximize our visits. it turned out to be a perfect suggestion because we had less rain and more Ireland. I'm sure (although I didn't ask) that Ronan cleaned our Mercedes van every day before he picked us up and he would often give tips for wonderful restaurants to eat, things to see in town and places to shop; he was also happy to make reservations if we needed. Ronan was fantastic and such a great part of our trip to Ireland. I am so grateful we hired him and will definitely hire Gan Tours the next time we visit. He was so good natured about our joking with him and quickly picked up on our family dynamics and was able to joke back good-naturedly and add to the fun. He was the consummate guide and definitely made our trip to Ireland a success! Well done Gan Tours and a Grand time for sure! Thanks Ronan!
5. Kinsale Culinary Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
This tour is a unique way into the local community of Kinsale where visitors can sample the best of Irish local hand made produce. Our guides are passionate about Kinsale, its history and its people. Quirky streets and lanes intice visitors to explore unusual churches, ancient ruins and even giants. The streets are bustling with busy restaurants, cafes and gastro pubs, in this spoiled for choice seaside town.
Inclusions: Local cheese, spiced beef, edible seaweed, award winning chutneys and marmalade, Irish homemade bread, oysters, sausage, chocolates, Irish Coffee
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Annegoesatw
Had an amazing tour. The food was delicious at each stop and the Cork history was informative. Very well organized and fun. Thank you Bonner Travel! I want all my friends from the US to go on this tour if they are in Cork. Thank you.
6. 7 Day Emerald Explorer Small Group of tour of Ireland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This expertly guided road trip, along 1100km of ever-changing landscape, along The Wild Atlantic Way is a great way to explore Ireland. Take in Clonmacnoise, once a huge monastic city; kiss the Blarney Stone and get the gift of the ‘gab’ (talk); handy for getting to know your small tour group. Then how about Kinsale harbour where wild, Red Snapper and John Dory fight it out to be your catch of the day and into The Ring of Kerry, with only the Atlantic separating the 40 shades from the 50 U.S. states. Cool down with Fungie, Dingle’s resident dolphin who came for the fish in 1984 and stayed for the craic or stand on The Cliffs of Moher and feel you’re at the edge of the world. And in between the heritage and culture, there’ll be ceol agus craic (music and boldness), seafood and banter, city (Galway) and island hopping (Aran)and an epic road-trip you’ll never forget.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By russ2jen
Sadly, in these uncertain days of Coronavirus, I had to cancel my upcoming tour. The team at Overland Ireland were compassionate and understanding in working out the details so as to minimize losses all around. Flexible reschedule options into next year were offered as well. This is the kind of small company to support.
7. 5-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Sure, have you never heard of an Irish half hour? It can stretch out for days and 5 days is what you’ve got to experience this memorable, expertly guided road trip, over ever-changing landscape, along The Wild Atlantic Way. From shucking Clarinbridge oysters and downing creamy stout in Galway, to the jaw dropping sights of the Ring of Kerry, with only the Atlantic separating the 40 shades from the 50 U.S. states. Cool down with Fungie, Dingle’s resident dolphin who came for the fish in 1984 and stayed for the craic or feel like you’re at the edge of the world, at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. And how about a spot of kissing at the Blarney Stone where you’ll come away with the gift of the ‘gab’ (talk); handy for ‘having the craic’ with your small tour group. And in between the heritage and culture, bohemian Galway and dinky Doolin, there’ll be ceol agus craic (music and boldness), seafood and banter and an epic road-trip you’ll never forget.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Lunches and Dinners, Optional activities
Reviewed By russ2jen
Sadly, in these uncertain days of Coronavirus, I had to cancel my upcoming tour. The team at Overland Ireland were compassionate and understanding in working out the details so as to minimize losses all around. Flexible reschedule options into next year were offered as well. This is the kind of small company to support.
8. Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 39 reviews
Exciting Shore Excursion from Cobh to Blarney Castle, Cork City, Kinsale and Cobh. Bus Tour starts/finishes at your ship and is tailored to suit your docking/sailing times. Our Bus Tour Includes: • Admission To The Famous Blarney Castle & Gardens • Shopping at Blarney Woolen Mills - The Worlds Largest Irish Store • Driving Tour of Unique Cork City • Photo Op at Historic Charles Fort • Free Time in Picturesque Kinsale for lunch and exploring • A Visit To The Magnificent St. Coleman's Cathedral Up to 8 hours Tour day (Tour times are tailored to work with your docking/sailing times) Our bus tour departs/returns right at your ship in Cobh/Cork We're based in Cobh and have over 50 years experience. Our driver/guides are all locals and have lots of interesting facts, fascinating history, fun stories, songs and jokes.
Inclusions: Live commentary on board from local experienced guides, Pick up from your ship and return to same, Storage for wheelchairs, scooters, etc, Air-conditioned vehicle, Admission To Blarney Castle & Gardens
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By cajungirl44
If you are looking for the best travel company in Ireland, THIS IS IT!!!! Wonderful, accommodating people. Rest assured, they treat everyone like royalty!
9. Cork Culinary Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 22 reviews
Guests are introduced to the 'City of a Thousand Welcomes' with our experienced, local guides who share their passion and knowledge of their beloved city. . Each experience is facilitated by a culinary host with luxury upgrade options. Our virtual events are designed to bring people together, with a mission to deepen human connection through storytelling and food (and drinks, of course!) The tour wanders through Cork's famous food and beverage market, the English Market, in operation since the 18th century. Here guests get to meet and chat with local traders for a bit of 'the craic'( Irish for fun) Cork Culinary Tour takes in the very best the city has to offer. With artisan cheese from local award winning cheesemakers, mouthwatering seafood fresh from the Atlantic, local handmade Irish bread and gourmet handmade country sausage washed down with a creamy pint. The tour finishes in a relaxed gastro-pub where guests can enjoy a light lunch and a local beverage of choice.
Inclusions: Snacks, Light lunch, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions:
Reviewed By zoezard
Frances was an incredibly knowledgeable, organized and insightful tour guide. I always like booking with natives of the country/area because they have an appreciation and understanding of the life around them unlike any other. Our tour was planned out perfectly, easily walkable and a good length of time. During the tour we got to sample some incredible food from multiple different restaurants, watch a very impressive demonstration on making real Irish coffees and so much more. Throughout the trip Frances even threw in bits of information about Kinsale’s history. She truly went above and beyond the entire tour. I would highly recommend booking with Bonner Travel if you ever get the chance to visit Ireland. It’s such a beautiful country and there are so many hidden gems. My only complaint is that we couldn’t spend more time in Ireland, and book more of her tours!
10. Shore Excursion From Cork: Including Blarney Castle and Kinsale
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 150 reviews
The tour begins with a pick up from the cruise liner terminal in Cobh, Cork Harbour, where your driver will be waiting for you to drive to Blarney Castle. Admission to the Blarney Castle and Gardens is included. Take a panoramic drive through Cork City, where your guide will point out the highlights of the southern capital. In the afternoon visit Kinsale and tour Cobh.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Port pickup and drop-off, Blarney Castle and Gardens Entry Fee included, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Back at port 1 hour before last boarding.
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch
Reviewed By Gary E
We did the half day tour starting at Dingle. Picked up at Heatons excellent guest house, drove the headlands in driving rain and wind, but still a fantastic trip. Tour of beehive huts, famed beaches, and Oratory. Spring would be grand with LOTS of fuschias.
