Are Kinsale and Cobh Ireland’s Most Beautiful Towns?

Cobh

Kinsale and Cobh lie within easy reach of Cork and should be included in any itinerary of Ireland. Cobh is the famed last stop of the Titanic and Kinsale is the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. Both Kinsale and Cobh are packed with fascinating things to do. We visited both on the same day and this was our agenda.

Hitting Kinsale and Cobh

Besides their aforementioned significance, the towns have so much more going. They seem to vie with each other to be the most colourful. They each have an excellent attraction that must be seen. As fortune would have it we would only get to see one of these.

Spike Island, Cobh

This was the third day of our Cork trip and we had come with one major intention. Off the coast of Cork lies Spike Island, which to all intents and purposes is the Irish Alcatraz. The prison on the island was built 200 years ago and at the time was the largest Victorian prison in the world, with over 2300 prisoners. The island’s history extends from the 6th century and the monastery that then stood there.

It was voted Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction in 2017, and that attests to its quality. Boats depart from Cobh harbour travelling to Spike Island and run at 12 and 2 each day during peak season with reduced sailings during the winter, cost €18, and tours take 3:30 hours. You can explore more on their website at Spike Island Tours. I implore you to make this a priority if in this part of the country as I have heard nothing but great things.

Alas on our visit Cork was battered by Storm Ali. We cancelled plans to make this our agenda on our second day, having seen the sea batter Cobh whilst dining our first eve there. We awoke on day three to similar weather. Credit to the operators as when I called them, they were still running the boats. But we are not the best seafaring couple and we made the call to leave it till another day. Bummer. Hey it’s a reason to return.

Things to do in Cobh

But don’t stop reading. We didn’t just pack and go home. Breakfast in the Fota Island Resort hotel was again perfect to set us up for the day. We left our luxurious surroundings and drove to Cobh nonetheless. We were on Fota island and the next island over is Great Island where you find the town of Cobh, at its coastal location. Entering the island you must cross Belvelly Bridge and the awesomely located Belvelly Castle overlooks the water on the banks. This 15th century tower house is in the process of being restored to become a private residence but makes for a beautiful sights. It’s the perfect introduction to the island.

Belvelly Castle
Belvelly Castle

From here its straight to Cobh. It’s a confusing town to drive around all one way systems and narrow streets and hills. It’s best to park in the cathedral car park as we did, it’s free and you can explore the town on foot from here.

St Colman’s Cathedral

This cathedral was only consecrated in the 20th century, but took 47 years to build. Whilst attractive the cathedral is better appreciated from far not close. It’s elevated above the town. Entry is free so its worth a stroll inside if only to admire the pleasant interior.

St Colman's Cathedral
St Colman's Cathedral
St Colman’s Cathedral
St Colman's Cathedral
St Colman’s Cathedral interior

Cobh Harbour

The walk down to the harbour has more than a few steps and there is quite the incline so bear this in mind. When you reach the harbour you will appreciate the cathedral all the more. Take a look back uphill to where it towers magnificently above the town. The harbour is the epicentre of things in Cobh. The colourful streets that run the length of the harbour are a collection of shops, bars and restaurants. As well as the colours there is some interesting street art to be seen.

The beauty isn’t just behind you. Cobh’s harbour is full of little fishing vessels all as colourful as the town around them. They bobbed in the choppy waters of the day. The Spike Island ferry tours set off from here. So it will another day for us. It’s hard to imagine a grand ship such as the Titanic was docked in this little town. But dock it did. White Star Line used Cobh (known as Queenstown in those days) as one of their departure points and on a day in 1912, 123 passengers boarded the Titanic.

Titanic Experience Cobh

Their story and that of those aboard the Titanic is commemorated in the Titanic Experience Cobh which is also located in the harbour. The experience is in the original ticket office of White Star Line, and it’s a very informative one. Different from the grand scale of Titanic Belfast, it takes a more personal tone. The guided tour lasts about thirty minutes and costs €9.50. You are taken to the final pier where the passengers boarded, and there is also a visual display on the sinking of the ship. It doesn’t feature Leo before you ask.

Cobh Harbour
Cobh Harbour
Cobh, Ireland

Barrack Hill, Cobh

Our plan wouldn’t take us to Spike Island so we continued to explore the town. The Town Library is housed in an unusual arched building that the road navigates through. This is the gateway to the most aesthetic part of the town. From Lower Middleton Street navigate to West View, known locally as Barrack Hill, which is a collection of different coloured terraced houses.

Known as the deck of cards, the houses date from 1850, and there are 23 of them that seem to sit on top of one another from the base of the hill all the way to the top. Each similar in style with one large central window, but differing so much due to the vibrance of their colours. It’s a sumptuous street and halfway up the hill there is a park on your left which gives the perfect opportunity to capture that iconic Cobh picture. Behind that row of houses the steeples of St Colmans Cathedral gives great depth and perspective.

Barrack Hill, Cobh
Barrack Hill, Cobh
Barrack Hill, Cobh
The deck of card houses at Barrack Hill

Cobh To Kinsale

Our circular route took us up West View and back over towards the Cathedral and to our car. From Cobh it was 48 kilometres to Kinsale, the only route being through Cork City. The road to Kinsale belies the towns beauty, it was quite unspectacular. But as you approach the town the coast and its harbour come into view. Kinsale is the start of the 2500km long Wild Atlantic Way, which is the longest continuous coastal driving route in the world. The town really packs a punch and leaves a lasting impression.

Kinsale

Kinsale seems to say, anything Cobh can do we can do better. The houses and shops are even more colourful than our previous destination. We parked our car in the main town car park just off pier road, where the charge is €1 per hour. It’s a small town and easily covered on foot in a short time. Next to the car park is the tourist office and this is the perfect place to start. It’s the starting point of all guided walking tours including the renowned Dermot Ryan Heritage Town Walk, voted best in Ireland. Unfortunately the tour starts at 10:30am and we had missed it, but it’s a good option for you. instead I asked the friendly staff of the tourist office who were more than happy to suggest a walking route through the town.

The route brought us up main street which is a mild introduction to the colours, before arriving at St Multose Church. This church is 800 years old and has had a distinct mark on history, not only in the town but in the politics of the United Kingdom. It’s Norman tower still stands and the interior has a beautiful carved wood altar and pulpit. Its stain glass windows are also fantastic.

St Multose Church, Kinsale
St Multose Church

Desmond Castle, Kinsale

As the walking tour turns up towards the Desmond Castle now we start to see the real  beauty of Kinsale. Houses with bright shades of pink, blue and green climb up a small hill which reminds us of Cobh. At the top the Desmond Castle is a 1500 AD tower house which has undergone many transformations in its time, from a defensive one to a prison, where many enemies were detained during conflicts involving the British Empire. It now hosts an exhibit on its history, and interestingly a wine museum. In a country that rarely produces wine. The castle was closed for renovations on our visit but should reopen in 2019.

Kinsale, Ireland
Desmond Castle, Kinsale
Desmond Castle, Kinsale

Kinsale Town Centre

Your short walking route takes you down Chairman’s Lane, and to Newman’s Mall and Market Street. This is the focal point of your tour and one of Ireland’s most photographed urban locations. You feel as if you have stepped into an episode of Peppa Pig. There are a number of cute shops and cafes in this area and all throughout Kinsale there are a ton of others as well as bars and restaurants. Some have wonderful names such The Silent Banjo or The Lazy Italian. It makes the place all the more endearing.

The town is also known for its culinary prowess, but we didn’t get to sample this so I can’t advise. The last stop on our whirlwind tour is the Courthouse from 1590. The Kinsale Museum is located within which charts the towns history from its founding in 1334, and through all its major events including the sinking of the Lusitania off its coast. We didn’t visit but both the building and museum look interesting.

Chairman's Lane, Kinsale, Ireland
Chairman’s Lane
Kinsale, Ireland
Kinsale, Ireland
Does it get much cuter than this.
Kinsale, Ireland
The Milk Market Cafe
Kinsale Museum
Kinsale Museum with its European stylings

Kinsale Pier

The route brought us back to the car and we drove along the pier to admire the boats and the waterfront. It would make for a wonderful walk. We drove as far as the Bridge of Kinsale which crosses the River Bandon to some impressive views back towards the town. This is the route to the James Fort, one of two that guard the entrance to Kinsale harbour. However when I asked in the tourist office which fort I should visit she unequivocally recommended the Charles Fort, so back we went.

Charles Fort, Kinsale

The Charles Fort is located on a headland above the town and can be accessed from the road to Cork. If you would like to walk from town, it’s a 2.5km walk uphill. But the good news is the way back is downhill. However you get there, you must get there. I was surprised by the fort, as I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s an absolutely huge attraction albeit with much of it in ruin. The fort was built in the 17th century along with the James Fort as a measure to stop foreign forces from joining any Irish rebellions to overthrow British rule. The fort is star-shaped which is a spec designed by French military tacticians to be most effective. Its primary function was to stop any ships which intended to use Kinsale for docking. It peers down on the town from its lofty location.

Tours of Charles Fort

The fort is accessed by surrounded by huge wooden walls and accessed by a wooden bridge. Opening hours are from 10 to 6 daily and admission is €5 with plenty of parking outside which is free. Once inside you are free to wander and you suddenly realise how huge the place is. There are some exhibitions in the commanders house which is fully intact but I believe the true beauty of the place lies in the extensive ruins. It’s best to just set off and explore as each corner of the fort gives a different perception. The sea behind adds to the vast loneliness of the place. Many of the ruins can be entered and explored, although imagination is needed to envisage their former function. Words can’t articulate just how fantastic the place is, it’s a visual treat more than anything. So I’ll let my photos do the talking.

Charles Fort, Kinsale
The Entrance gate
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Charles Fort, Kinsale
The commanders house
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Entrance to the officers quarters
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Governors House
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Magazine
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Officers Quarters
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Soldiers Quarters
Charles Fort, Kinsale
View over the fort to the sea beyond
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Birdseye view of the fort from the Devil’s Bastion
Charles Fort, Kinsale
The newest addition to the fort, the lighthouse

So are they Ireland’s most beautiful?

In my assertion Cobh and Kinsale are probably amongst Ireland’s finest. From their engaging coloured houses, to their historical legacy, impressive cultural sites, and coastal locations, there are few other towns in Ireland to compete. Any Irish holiday would benefit from their inclusion.

Fota Island Resort Cork

If you find yourself exploring Cobh and Kinsale, the opulent surroundings of the Fota Island Resort are the ideal 5-star base. Read my review of this fantastic hotel and the adjacent wildlife park, on my blog, A Stay at Fota Island Resort and Park.

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Welcome to CarpeDiemEire

Hi, I’m John, one half of CarpeDiemEire along with my wife Beata. On the blog, we take you from city breaks, to road trips and hikes. One thing we do along the way, is live the moment. We hope to encourage you to do the same.

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56 Responses

  1. Ireland is stunning! I was totally blown away last year. Unfortunately we didn’t manage to see these two beautiful towns, so another trip will be needed. 🙂 I love colourful houses and Charles Fort is so charming. Thank you so much for sharing.

    1. As I always say to people is it bad when you have good reasons to go back somewhere. I know I have plenty of reasons to go back to all the places I’ve visited. Sure it will keep us travelling. Along with the thousands of new places to see. Thank you for reading.

      1. Same here. I want to visit the new places, but all the old ones have something I would still like to see. This year I have two cities that I visited for the second time, Venice and next week Istanbul.

        1. Oh would love to do Istanbul. It looks amazing. I went back to London and Budapest this year. In Marrekesh now and I can certainly see myself coming back here.

          1. I’ve been in Morocco, but only Rabat and Casablanca, so Marrakesh and Fez are still on the list. I’ve been to London twice, but would love to go again. I am sure it changed a lot since I’ve been there. Budapest is also very beautiful. Enjoy your time in Marrakesh!

  2. I enjoyed reading about Cobh and Kinsale. We hadn’t been to either town on our one-and-only previous trip to Ireland. If we return on a future – someday – British Isles cruise, I think some of those itineraries stop in Cobh, so I’d enjoying see the town then. The photos of the colorful buildings were my favorite part of the post – so cute!

    1. The colourful houses do make the two towns. I guess they knew what they were doing. I’ll have to return to Cobh myself I have a feeling of unfinished business. Thanks for reading

  3. I have never been to St Colman’s Cathedral – it look magnificent! Charles Fort also looks amazing! You’ve given me some great places to visit on my next trip to Ireland! 🙂

    1. Glad to inspire. I really enjoyed Charles Fort it was huge. So many ruins to explore, I was really in my element. Thanks for reading,
      John

  4. I don’t think I’ve been to Cobh or Kinsale before, but Cobh looks gorgeous! I actually found Kilkenny to be very pretty and quaint.

    1. I love Kilkenny too, its a great place to visit. So vibrant too, These two towns blew my mind though, they are so worth a visit.
      Thanks for reading.
      John

    1. Thank you. Happy you liked my photos and delirious that I inspired you to create a board. Appreciate you stopping by.

      John

  5. How GORGEOUS. I want to visit so badly! Thanks for all the pics and info! I didn’t know Ireland was so colorful!

    1. Its very green of that there is no doubt. And often grey. But some towns like this really brighten up the place. You should visit?

    2. I realised I sent you a question mark with no question. Oops

      1. I wish I could. Money is strapped so I don’t have the funds to really go anywhere for awhile. I live through blogs!

        1. So you are absorbing as much as you can now, and meticulously planning so when you do, that round the world trip will be perfect. Good thinking

          1. I’m sure you will. Life has a way of surprising us when we don’t expect it

  6. First of all, Ireland is so beautiful 😍 The deck of card houses at Barrack Hill are gorgeous! Especially that picture with the cathedral in the back. You got some good photos! I wouldn’t mind taking a visit here. This place is so picture worthy 💕 great post!

    1. Thank you. It’s a gorgeous location and so photogenic. I had a whole heap of photos I had to cut on both towns that I really liked simply to keep the number down. The places photograph themselves nearly.
      Thanks for stopping by my blog.

      John

    1. Great. I’ve a good few blogs on Ireland if you need inspiration and I plan to add a lot more. You will have a wonderful time, some of the scenery is breathtaking. Thanks for reading

  7. Absolutely stunning thanks so much for this and the pictures are beautiful. My husbands from a little village way up the North called Glenarm. Definitely worth a visit 💖

    1. Well worth the visit. Have to go back myself. I deeply regret missing the prison. They are so photogenic and a pleasure to walk through. Thanks for reading. John

  8. Stunning and yet also charming. This post makes me want to book a flight, get on a plane, and head to Ireland! You dis such a great job of highlighting exactly where I nees to go. Thank you so much.

    1. Thank you for your kind words. All we can hope to do is inspire. There are some beautiful places to be found in Ireland. My advice drop everything and book those flights. But maybe wait till after st Patrick’s day to come.

  9. Hi John. Cobh and Kinsale have to be 2 of my favouirte Irish towns. Like you say, colourful and clean and tidy. Great pix. Have to give the fort a look next time. Allan

    1. Hi Allan. They are amazing towns. The fort was fantastic, so much to explore and great views. I just lament missing the prison. We were nursing hangovers too so the boat ride really wasn’t on, besides the storm. I heard it’s great. When are you planning on coming our way again?

    1. They are. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Thanks for visiting

  10. Lovely post. I love the look of Barrack Hill and all those gorgeous bright buildings. Another location to add to the list!

    1. It’s a joy to walk around these towns, they are so aesthetic. Each street brought a new sight and I couldn’t come close to including all the photos. I highly recommend a visit.

    1. Let’s hope so. We aren’t far away and it’s amazing how much you can see in a short space of time. Thanks for visiting.

      John

  11. They really are beautiful. You captured those colors beautifully with the perfect lighting and the Cathedral looks incredible! Maybe someday I’ll find myself in Ireland :).
    xoxo Ros (ZenHealth.net)

    1. You should. It’s easily accessible, we are (relatively) easy to understand, and we appreciate the good things. Oh and it looks like this.

  12. Wow, these places look absolutely amazing. Ireland is one of my top bucket list travel destinations, and this just fueled my travel fire even more. Wonderful pics. Thank you for sharing!

    1. Thank you. I’m always happy to inspire travellers. Ireland has its fair share of beautiful places to be seen. I hope you make it over to our green lands. Thanks for reading. John

  13. I’ve never been to Ireland but I’ve always wanted to, your beautiful photos and write up of these towns has made me want to take a little visit even more. Thanks for sharing your experiences (:

    1. Your very welcome. It’s a welcoming country and really worth a visit. I hope you can make it here some day. Thank you for reading

  14. Ireland is beautiful! I would really like to visit one day and these photos only make me want to go more. Your photos are lovely and it sounds like you had a wonderful time. These are places I may habe to visit when I eventually go to Ireland.

    1. Thank you. I would be delighted if I inspire you to come to my lovely country. I’ll be modest and say I take a lot of photos so I’m bound to get some right, but thank you.

  15. You bet I will be pinning this! I cannot figure out how to say Cobh. The H really throws me off – is it a silent H? Also, there is just something so wonderful about colourful seaside buildings. They really make me happy. Although the deck of card houses at Barrack Hill do not look like they are facing the water – they are my favourite out of all of your pictures! I really need to get to Ireland. So, one more question – the tower in the photo of Belvelly Castle is the building someone is renovating into a private property? that’s kind of cool to live in that! Although it does seem a bit close to the road – otherwise seems to stand alone – so no neighbours.

    1. Cobh is pronounced like cove, I don’t see any difference. Could be the Gaelic spellings. I’m afraid no sea view with the deck of cards, they face some more houses and a park.
      Belvelly Castle definitely won’t be the most private, I think it defeats the purpose of owning a castle without the Estate. Might be a nice b&b or something. Who knows. That photo is from another trip to Cork, it was covered in scaffolding this time, so I had to dig this out.
      They are two smashing towns. Sure you will see them in 2020.

  16. Loving the colourful houses and the fact that you ventured off the beaten track. Would love to explore Ireland soon! Great post. 😊

    1. They are very beautiful towns. It’s always enjoyable to get off the tourist trail a little, there are many amazing places just waiting to be found. Appreciate you taking the time to read. John

  17. Omg I just want to pick these towns up and put them in my pocket!!! I’ve seen photos of Cobh before but I’ve never seen Kinsale – it looks even more adorable! Will definitely have to head to both the next time I’m in Ireland, as we’re planning to do a road trip there some day!