We're planning a spectacular 10 day trip in late April, and this forum, just joined, I know will be so helpful! Thanks. I just read that Desmond Castle is closed in Kinsale, we are beings selective on some of our Cork stops, wondering if this would suggest Kinsale might drop off our list. Question - Kinsale more than just Desmond Castle? Thanks forum.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7161 posts
Where did you read that Desmond castle is closed? As far as I can tell it's closed from mid-Oct to early April, but opens in mid-April. When will you be there?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Hi Nancy...it was in today's Chicago Tribune, Life-Travel Section, and it was written by some guy named Rick Steves :-) His words were "closed indefinitely," I hope your details are more current. We're there late April...fingers crossed, if you're right, and they stay on track, we'll be one of the first to see the new repairs!
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7161 posts
It's possible that RS has more current information, but I couldn't find that information online anywhere. This is the website I was going by for opening times and it appears to be current.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks! As it gets closer we'll see what the status is and post our update. We'll be prepared to be flexible. I noticed the castle was closed on Monday as well, thanks for sending me the link.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2988 posts
"Kinsale more than just Desmond Castle?"
Absolutely - Kinsale is one of the most picturesque seaside villages in Ireland, with many more things to see and do than just Desmond Castle.
Though the OPW website makes no mention of it, and in fact is still showing the usual opening times, this website is confirming that it's closed for renovation. https://www.kinsale.ie/2019/02/21/desmond-castle-update/
It's a status report dated 2/21/2019 and is reporting that the work is a 2 year program, so looks like a reopening in early 2021.
Posted by
Portland, OR
238 posts
We enjoyed Kinsale a lot--good food, good music and it's a quaint little town, good for just strolling. I believe there is (or was) a walking tour that folks on the forum have recommended in the past. And as for nearby attractions, we very much enjoyed Charles Fort. It has quite an interesting history. There are tours if you want them but we enjoyed just walking around on our own.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks all... We won't count on Desmond, and have a pretty good idea of what we can count on it. This is my first foray into this forum, loving it.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
FYI, Nancy was looking at www.discoveringireland.com, which is a tour company, versus the web page for the Irish tourist board is www.discoverireland.ie. (Of course, either one could have some lag time in when they update specific details online.)
Posted by
Kinsale, Cork, Kinsale
5 posts
Unfortunately the castle has been closed for over two years but the promised repair work has not started so it looks like another two years, at least ! However, the Kinsale Heritage Walk from the Tourist office at 10.30 a.m. has the photographs and information on the now closed Wine Museum, the the American prisoners in the time of George Washington and the 1601 Battle of Kinsale.