How to spend a perfect day in Kinsale, foodie capital of Ireland
A historic trading port, Kinsale has become Ireland’s top destination for food lovers. The seafood may be the main draw, but its colourful lanes, easy access to some of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches and proximity to Cork airport make it ideal for a standalone break or part of a longer adventure. Joe Minihane reveals how to spend 24 hours exploring its rich and varied streets
08:00
After working up an appetite with a walk around Kinsale harbour and wandering the narrow roads that were once wharves for bringing the daily catch right into the heart of the town, direct visitors to O’Herlihys Kinsale. Better known as OHK Cafe, its superb breakfast menu leans heavily on local produce, with oats from Macroom and halloumi made at Toonsbridge Dairy. Point clients towards the open avocado salmon sandwich, served on Guinness brown bread.
10:30
Departing daily from the local tourist office, Kinsale Heritage Walks (€5), run by the award-winning Dermot Ryan, are the perfect way for clients to get a grip of the town’s fascinating history. Tourists will learn about its status as a key medieval port through to its connections with the Spanish Empire and its modern-day status as one of Ireland’s hottest tourist destinations. Visitors should expect maps, photos and plenty of laughs.
12:30
When lunchtime comes around, be sure to tell clients to book onto Kinsale Food Tours (from €75). Run by Suzanne Burns, a zoologist turned local food scene superstar, these tours bring visitors into contact with Kinsale’s best chefs. The Walking Food Tour includes the chance to sample Wicklow-made cheeses at The Wine Buff and eat chowder at The Blue Haven, a former fish exchange.
14:30
The Wild Atlantic Way, running the entire length of Ireland’s dramatic west coast to Donegal, starts in Kinsale. A 10-minute drive south of town on this well signposted route will bring visitors to the beautiful Sandy Cove, the ideal spot for an afternoon spent swimming in the refreshing ocean or relaxing on the beach after a busy morning. Chocolates from Koko Kinsale are the perfect picnic treat to go with all that fresh air.
18:00
Considering Kinsale’s modern reputation is based around its spectacular food scene, hungry visitors will want to ensure they have reservations at Bastion. This intimate space was awarded a Michelin star in 2020 and serves up an eight-course tasting menu, with wild sea bass and locally reared lamb on offer. Wine pairing is also available. For clients happy to splash out, this is an essential stop off.
20:30
Kinsale’s pubs are the stuff of legend. And arguably first among them is The Spaniard Inn. Dating back to 1650, there’s sawdust on the floors, a roaring fire and a top-notch array of whiskey, not to mention Guinness at
its very best. Thirsty clients should also head to The Bulman. It’s a little further out of town, but as it’s right on the water, it’s perfect for a midsummer al fresco pint.
- For more information visit kinsale.ie
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