The Battle of Kinsale, fought in 1601 between a combined Spanish, Irish force against English armies, was a turning point in Irish history.
The harbour is guarded by two very fine star-shaped fortresses built in the 17th century:
5 minutes away Charles Fort is well worth a visit. See also the old Courthouse, now a museum; St Multose Church, built in the 13th century and still in use, and 'French Prison', the 16th century Desmond Castle.
1 hour away is Youghal town. It has a rich past with the earliest civilization dating back approximately 8,000 years. The Celts arrived to the area about 500 BC. Christianity was introduced in the 5th Century at the Church of Coran and nearby hermitage. The Vikings used Youghal as a base for their costal raids.
25 miles away, Fota Wildlife Park is on one of the three islands in Cork Harbour featuring 90 different species of wildlife where animals roam in their natural habitat. Cheetahs are the only caged animals. The park is the largest breeder of cheetahs in the world. The animals come from five continents. The arboretum has many exotic plants and trees. It is one of the best in Europe.
Kinsale Regatta & Homecoming Festival
Date:
August 2 - 5
Cork Airport 12 miles
Cork City 14 miles
Shannon Airport 90 miles
Dublin 180 miles
Close by is Cobh town the port of departure for many Irish during the Great Hunger from 1844 to 1848. At that time it was known as Queenstown. Many sailed hungry and penniless in the deplorable "coffin ships", |
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