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Cork or Kinsale.

Planning a two week trip to Ireland in September and after staying in Doolin and then Dingle we are moving on to either Cork or Kinsale. We would visit Kinsale either way. The reason we would pick Cork is so we could drop off our rental car there and then take a train to Dublin. But leaning towards Kinsale because it looks like such a cool town. Any recommendations on where to stay in Kinsale or Cork. Also about using the train. Thank you

Posted by
2811 posts

Kinsale is a great little town, and staying there for a night or two would allow you to experience the place in the early morning and late afternoon without the congestion of the tour buses and day trippers who start to arrive between around 9:30 and depart around 4:00 PM. It's a completely different experience without the crowds.
Cork isn't one of our favorite places in Ireland.
Rather than returning your car in Cork why not keep it for the drive back to Dublin and return it there? Would allow you to visit a number of pleasant places along the way - Cobh, New Ross, Waterford, Glendalough and the drive thru Wicklow mtns to name but a few.
The Old Presbytery in Kinsale is a favorite with many here on the forum.

Posted by
7025 posts

You can stay in Kinsale and still drop the car in Cork and take the train to Dublin. Cork is just a short drive from Kinsale. I think that's what I would do unless there's other places you want to see on the way back to Dublin.

Posted by
2 posts

Kinsale is our favorite place in all of Ireland. We recommend staying at the Perryville House. It’s a beautiful B&B with the best breakfast we had on our entire 2 week adventure.