Which city to stay in Kinsale or Cobh?

If you are choosing between Kinsale and Cobh, then Kinsale without a doubt. Kinsale is very charming, lots of shops, restaurants and pubs. It has the very interesting walking tour that RS recommends and also nearby Charles Fort. We enjoyed watching a Crystal cutting demo at Kinsale Crystal too. We stayed at Woodlands House B&B just up the hill a bit in a quiet neighborhood. It is a beautiful home, wonderful host and delicious breakfast. Valerie will greet you with tea and cookies.

Cobh has the Queenstown Story museum about the Famine and the Irish leaving for America, the beautiful St Coleman's cathedral on top of the hill, and the nearby Fota garden and wildlife park. Other than that we felt it was a bit dirty in Irish terms. All the cities in Ireland comptete each year to win the "Tidy Town" award. Kinsale is a contender, but Cobh needs LOTS of work, especailly the trash crew.

Have not been to Cobh (shame on me, my ancestors sailed from there), but spent three nights at the Kinsale Hotel. Great little town, much to see and do in town and in the area. That said, I'd probably find an entire week there a bit too long.

I have not stayed in Cobh either but years ago stayed at the An Oige youth hostel in Kinsale. I absolutely love it and Kinsale. I wholeheartedly recommend Kinsale.

Kinsale hands down.

Great little town with a ton of history. Good shopping, food was outstanding. We ate at the Bulman - best steak and great downstairs bar. fishy fishy and some pub food too. There was a small wine bar there - Max's? - which had some great wines, cuban cigars and good company. Plenty of pubs with good live music, but get there early.The fort was very interesting. Lots of seafood in Kinsale

We stayed at Actons, which was so so, but there are some very nice B&B's and other accomodations.

I would also recommend staying in Kinsale. It was one of our favorite places. Lots of great restaurants, pubs and shops. The scenery is beautiful, too. I would, though, recommend stopping in Cobh. We loved the Queenstown museum and spent a great deal of time there. We also explored the town a bit and traveled up to the cathedral.

We enjoyed our stay at Old Presbetery in Kinsale--good parking in the back lot and you can walk everywhere. There is a fun pub with lots of Irish singing on a back lane parallel to the main street.

We stayed at the OldeBakery in Kinsale.Nice place with charming couple.

At the risk of overkill, I agree it's Kinsale. We visited Cobh, and enjoyed it, but stayed in Kinsale, and loved it. Great restaurants, lots of history, stuff to do.

Plenty of nice, expensive B&Bs are located in and around Kinsale. We stayed at Harbour Hill Farm and loved it. It's not a farm, but a B&B. Beautiful countryside views.

Enjoy your trip!

I would agree with all others. We have visited both and would happily stay in both but if I had to choose it would be Kinsale. Cobh is lovely though and well worth a visit.