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", |