Hello, my family and I are traveling to Ireland this early October. And one of our stops is Kinsale that we're using as our home base to explore the Cork area. We'll be in Kinsale for a total of just two days. My dad of course wants to go take a tour of the Midleton's Distillery but that's about as far as I've gotten in the plans. We do NOT like to do any touristy like attractions like the Blarney Stone (though I assume everyone here is like this as this is Rick Steves Through the Back Door). I would absolutely love any recommendations of places to see -- castles? cottages? towns? Thank you.
Posted by
Land of La
8645 posts
Have never, will never see or kiss the Blarney Stone. Walking is a great way to experience Kinsale so take a guided walking tour of the town. The harbor is fascinating. Lovely town. Very interesting history. Stay at The Old Presbytery
B & B. Wonderful breakfasts, free wifi, comfortable rooms. Try the Oysters at Fishy Fishy. After noon tea at Perryville House. If weather is good take stroll along the Scilly Walk, a path along the sea from Kinsale to Summercove where a pint awaits you at the Bulman pub. You can also make this your route to and from Charles Fort. Nice 2 mile walk. Afternoon tea at Perryville House. Other spots to consider visiting outside of Kinsale the Timoloegue Abbey, the town o f Clonakilty, and check out the Dromberg stone Circle. The beauty of Eire will take your breathe away. Let the spirit move you as you travel around it.
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia
6 posts
What a truly wonderful and perfect response. I cannot thank you enough -- exactly what I wanted to hear! It all sounds beautiful, cannot wait to return to Ireland.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
It's actually the Jameson (pronounced "Jemsen") distillery in Midleton. I happen to love Blarney. It's a charming little town with a wonderful woollen mill store. The grounds of the castle are beautiful, and there is a dolmen there, too. We also enjoyed Kenmare, and Cobh (pronounced "cove") with its Queenstown Story museum and cathedral. And you should make time for the Rock of Cashel, and perhaps the castle in Cahir (pronounced "care").
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7025 posts
I liked the town of Clonakilty, try Mick Finns pub. Also if you like a short hike the old Head of Kinsale is really nice. If you want to go out to the lighthouse you have to walk through the golf course but it's a lovely walk and the scenery is breathtaking. Kinsale itself is a very charming town, lots to see.
Posted by
naches, wa, usa
182 posts
what claudia said. i kind of had forgot about fishy fish and the bulman. had to pull up some old photos. walk to charles fort is great and the town walk is fun. stayed at the cloisters b&b and it was the best room outside of the ritz in powerscourt. have fun, be safe.