Cork City v. Kinsale - 2 Nights in November + Other Itinerary Questions

We stayed in both Cork and Kinsale and I enjoyed them both. However, given the choice of one or the other I would definitely stay in Kinsale. It's smaller, picturesque, lively pubs, fun shopping, and in a more scenic area. If you prefer cities, especially University cities, then Cork may suit you also, it's really a nice small city.

I would also say stay in Kinsale. You might also look at www.buseireann.ie for other bus options.

Stay in beautiful waterfront Kinsale. Cork doesn't compare.

Another vote for Kinsale. And, if you need a recommendation for a place to stay, the Old Presbytery Inn is lovely and the owners so very kind. Downtown Kinsale is very walkable, too.

Another vote for Kinsale. I had the best fish and chips at place on right on the dock, and I walked around the harbour to the ruins of James Fort and had a picnic lunch on one day, and the next day I walked out to Charles Fort which is one of the best preserved star forts in Europe and it has a great ghost story.

Thanks everyone for the Kinsale suggestions. So the concerns I've heard-that it'll be too rainy and not much to do in November (e.g. no ghost tours are offered)-valid?

November is the off-season. Many B&Bs close down Nov 1 for the season and don't reopen until spring. Attractions shorten their hours or are open fewer days a week, music in the pubs is often only on the weekends. I don't know anything about "ghost tours", but it might be one of those things that does close up. Also, the days are shorter because it gets dark sooner. But that doesn't mean that it won't be a great trip, anyway. I have never traveled to Ireland when gardens were in bloom (except some very early spring crocuses in late February), but it was still beautiful and green and I had a great time (four great times, in fact). And don't worry about the rain. Ireland's rain is generally what they call "soft weather" - drizzly, misty, overcast, but no real downpours.

Your trip sounds a lot like ours. We are going the second week of November - so I guess you are already there. I would be interested in hearing how this worked for you. We too do public transit.

We are deciding to stay in Cork and do a day trip to Kinsale. We live in a touristy town in the PNW. Rainy, gray. At least four shops are closed for their winter improvements. We don't have much to start with - so that represents a significant effect.

If you get this soonish - can you let me know how it went for you.

We arrive in Ireland on the 17th. Should arrive in Cork on the 20th.

Thanks!