Kinsale or Cork ?

We spent a night in each many years ago. They are so totally different. Cork is a good sized city of about 125k, Kinsale is a very small town of about 5k so no real comparison. They both have things to recommend them. Cork was a bit more 'happening' in the evening and we enjoyed walking around the center where there were several street performers and some good pubs. Kinsale was much quieter in the evening but still had a few good pubs and it is so cute and colorful. It's been quite a few years so things could be a bit different now, ie: more crowded with tourists, especially Kinsale. I loved our short stays in both.

I am interested in this question also, as I work on planning our trip for this fall. I hope it's okay if I chime in with a further question that might be of interest to the OP as well. If we were based in Cork for a few days, would it be reasonable to zip down to Kinsale for the day? We may have a car at that point, but if not, what about taking a bus or cab to Kinsale around late morning, hang out for the day, probably lunch and dinner, and then back up to Cork? While that wouldn't be a lot of time in Kinsale, is there anything else wrong with that idea? Thanks

Miles, if it's of any assistance to you, that is what we've decided to do. We're going to base in Cork for several days and then do day trips to Kinsale, Cobh and/or Rock of Cashel. We also chose to base in Cork, because we will catch the train to Dublin from there.

I am also interested in this as I plan our winter itinerary.

I love the idea of using Cork as a base for a few days as we visit other sites close by!

Thanks for these comments! (I am not the OP, but thanks anyway.) Goatieguinan - I am liking the idea of a few days based in Cork, with one or two local side trips.