Oh, Kinsale, it was love at first sight - whimsy, water views and winding walkways won my heart! And can we talk about the fairy/leprechaun door?!! Proof positive that they’re inhabitants of this land and must be friendly. Why else would they be welcomed in establishments. Be still my heart.
We joined a free historic stroll that was as good as, if not better than, many paid tours we’ve purchased, http://www.historicstrollkinsale.com
We learned the story behind Kinsale’s most famous pirate Anne Bonney. I love this stair mural created recently by a local artist. It reads, “Well-behaved women seldom make history”. Prophetic!
Kinsale was the site of an important battle in 1601 that cemented England’s conquest of Ireland. The British built two forts on either side of the harbor. We spent some time on a self-guided tour of Charles Fort.
The Church of St. Multose was built in Kinsale about 1190 and is believed to be the on site of a 6th century ecclesiastical settlement. It’s considered one of the Church of Ireland's oldest churches.
If the lobster was any fresher, it’d still be swimming in the ocean!
Although the sun was shining, we still had some wind as evidenced by the do’s!
Kinsale is vying to win the “Tidy Town” competition for 2024, an annual event recognizing the tidiest and most attractive town in Ireland. Kinsale would have my vote, hands down!
So cute!
Kinsale was one of our favorite places too. And Timoleague.