The Day we Went to Kinsale

 The days are running out and there seem to be too many trips that are just too far away to fit into the time we have left. 

Today we decided to go to Kinsale, a comfortable 35 minute commuter coach ride from the City Hall stop in Cork. 

Unsure what we would find to do there, but acting on advice from others, we stepped off the bus at 10:15 and went straight to the tourist information (via the small Farmer’s Market in the town car park). Here we were presented with a number of things which would easily fill in the time in this pretty coastal town. 

We began with a 75 minute guided walking tour with the most knowledgeable and engaging guide I believe we have had anywhere during the course of our Irish travels. We learnt a great deal about the events of the past that shaped Kinsale, and present day life there. 






Following the tour, we walked (again on the advice of the tourist information consultant), to the dock where the harbour cruise boat was disgorging its passengers. We were told the 1pm tour was fully booked, but a quick word with the captain, and we were allowed to board. The cruise was both scenic and interesting, and the weather was perfect for a jaunt on the water. 










Lunch was calling (it was 2pm!) so we found a gastro pub and ordered delicious meals which involved actual vegetables, including two types of potato - chips and scalloped - and not a mushy pea in sight. 

We had an hour left to wander, so used the time to look inside the 10th century Church and the brand new library which is housed in a converted barn. Both the stained glass windows in the Church and the interior of the library were very impressive. 



The streets of this characterful town run in a higgledy piggledy fashion away from the bay winding up the hill, and are filled with colourful houses and a variety of shops. All in all we had a wonderful time in Kinsale and recommend it as a destination. 


Catching the 3:30pm City Connect bus back to Cork, we were excited to read that it stopped in Grand Parade, which would suit us nicely for catching our 220 bus out of town. The experience didn’t match the printed timetable however and we found ourselves at St Patricks Quay, a 13 minute walk from our bus stop. 

Anyhow, all good, we had a lovely day out and made it home in time for dinner. 

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