FOCUS

Not just forts
Kinsale is abound with plenty of other attractions like the Desmond castle(now the
international museum of wine), the old courthouse and the 12th century St.Multose church.
Kinsale is of historical significance to Ireland because of a number of reasons:
1. It was here in 1601 that the Battle of Kinsale was fought. It represented a meeting of two
cultures - the old Gaelic world and the powerful English way of life. The defeat of the Gaelic
O'Neill and O'Donnell Clans signalled the end of the old Gaelic Ireland.
2.Kinsale owes it's unique character to the fact that it was a garrison town and port of
consequence for over 300 years, hence it's magnificent Georgian houses and the Dutch
influence of it architecture.
3.On May 7th 1915, the great Liner "Lusitania", en route from New York to Liverpool, was hit
by a torpedo and sank 11 miles off the Old Head of Kinsale, with the loss of 1195 lives.
Things to Do
Barring history there are great activities that one can do on arrival here:
1. Golfing at the old head of Kinsale facing the Atlantic. Even if you don't golf just go there
for a spectacular view of the Atlantic.
2. Walking tours that would enable you to visit important sites in Kinsale. It is a very
colourful town with houses and shops swathed in bright colours.
3. Ghost tours for the bravehearted and if you are lucky you could have a blind date with the
'White Lady'.
4. Harbour cruises in summer.
5. Plan your breakfast, lunch and dinner at Kinsale simply because it is worth doing so.
Everything is sourced locally with fresh fish coming straight off the boats and the meat and
vegetables provided from nearby farms.
Dino's is the place where we had dinner and the restaurant wasn’t too busy that evening but
the atmosphere was charming and I have been reliably informed that many weekend nights
there can go on into the early hours with the in-house singer getting the singsong started.
So small, yet so fair standing out against the ocean that it faces, Kinsale is a slice of Ireland
anybody would love. From the smallest grass to the largest tree, all we saw was beauty in
our eyes.
A trip to Kinsale long or short is therefore highly recommended for anyone visiting Ireland.
From the desk of the Travel
Brigade
A Street Near the town centre
10 FOCUS, Q4/2014