Beautiful town with colourful homes and historic pubs is a dream destination for food lovers

Known for its colourful buildings and beautiful scenery, this small town is full of life, flavour and friendly faces who make it truly special.

This hidden gem is a much-loved seaside town known for its amazing food and welcoming pubs.

It captures the true spirit of a fishing village, offering just as much charm in its cosy bars as it does along its pretty harbour streets.

Photo © N Chadwick (cc-by-sa/2.0)

What makes Kinsale stand out from other Irish towns is its wonderful mix of pubs. Each one is packed with character, history and comfort, and all are close enough together for a perfect pub crawl and a real taste of Ireland.

One of the most famous spots is The Spaniard, a favourite for beer lovers from all over the UK.

With its thatched roof and roaring fireplace, this atmospheric pub was built on the remains of an old castle that dates back to 1650.

Inside, The Spaniard is warm and welcoming, serving tasty food that keeps visitors coming back for more.

Toasties, shrimp and chowder are among the favourites, and thanks to its seaside location, Kinsale is known far and wide for its fresh seafood dishes.

A TripAdvisor reviewer shared: “We had an amazing time at The Spaniard in Kinsale. The setting is full of character and feels truly authentic, like stepping into a piece of local history. It’s cosy, friendly and full of charm.”

Photo © Oliver Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Another well-loved place adding to Kinsale’s reputation is The Bulman, famous as the first pub along The Wild Atlantic Way.

Painted in bright orange and sitting right by the water, it offers wonderful views over the harbour while you enjoy a drink.

One happy visitor wrote: “A perfect spot for a stroll from Kinsale harbour. The Bulman has incredible views of the estuary, a brilliant atmosphere and fantastic food.”

The Tap Tavern is another local treasure and one of Ireland’s most authentic traditional pubs. Stepping inside feels like travelling back in time, with its old-world charm and welcoming feel.

According to Whisky Cast, The Tap Tavern has been run by the same family since 1886, and their descendants still serve behind the bar today. Generations of locals have grown up with this beloved pub, which remains at the heart of Kinsale’s warm community.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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