Kinsale is a small town in ?Cork where people retun to year after year. Lets show you the reasons why.Ireland T ravel information from the local perspective #ireland #Kinsale #Cork #restaurants #pubs #Boating #travelvlog #irelandtoadtrip
00:00Welcome to Kinsale, where history meets luxury, Ireland's most charming coastal town, a place where every corner hides a quirky secret.
00:09Today, we're exploring the stunning Kinsale Hotel and Spa, uncovering the dramatic past of Charles Fort and James Fort, and revealing some surprising facts about this gorgeous town.
00:20Let's dive in. First stop, the luxurious Kinsale Hotel and Spa. Nestled just outside town, this four-star retreat offers breathtaking views of the South Coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
00:32But did you know? The hotel sits on what was once an old farmstead, and some say a friendly ghost named Margaret still roams the halls.
00:40Its infinity pool is one of the few in Ireland, with a view of the sea, perfect for a sunset dip.
00:45Whether you're here for a romantic getaway or a gourmet escape, this place is pure magic.
00:51And speaking of gourmet, Kinsale is Ireland's foodie capital.
00:55The hotel's restaurant serves locally caught seafood, so prepare your taste buds.
01:01The hotel is a five-minute drive from the town centre, and taxis are available any time.
01:07On the outskirts of the town, overlooking the sea entrance to Kinsale Harbour, is Charles Fort.
01:11Now let's step back in time. One of Europe's best-preserved star-shaped forts.
01:17Built in the 1670s, it guarded Kinsale for centuries. But here's the fun part.
01:22The fort was designed to withstand cannon fire with its angled walls. A genius military innovation.
01:29During the 1601 Battle of Kinsale, Spanish troops landed nearby, changing Ireland's history forever.
01:35Locals whisper that soldiers' ghosts still march the walls at night.
01:40Spooky, right? If you visit in summer, you might catch a battle reenactment, complete with booming cannons.
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01:58On the opposite side of the harbour is James Fort.
02:01Charles Fort's older, quieter sibling.
02:04Built in the early 1600s, it's smaller, but packed with history.
02:09It was originally named Fort Rincurran, but was renamed after King James I.
02:13Pirates once attacked Kinsale, and this fort helped keep them at bay.
02:17Today, it's a peaceful spot with epic views, perfect for a picnic.
02:21Pro tip, walk the silly walk from Kinsale to James Fort for the best coastal views.
02:26Kinsale has a distinguished history, and here are some quirky Kinsale Town secrets.
02:32Let's explore Kinsale Town.
02:34Every street has a story.
02:36Kinsale was almost the Titanic's last port of call in 1912, but bad weather changed its route.
02:42The town's famous Blue Haven pub was once a courthouse.
02:45Now it serves award-winning seafood chowder.
02:48Kinsale's Pink Elephant is a quirky art gallery that's been a local icon for decades.
02:53And if you love music, you're in luck.
02:55Kinsale's pubs are live with trad sessions almost every night.
02:59Kinsale isn't just pretty.
03:01It's a town steeped in drama.
03:03Founded by the Normans in the 12th century, it became one of Ireland's most important ports.
03:08But its real claim to fame?
03:10The 1601 Battle of Kinsale, a turning point in Irish history.
03:14Spanish troops landed to aid Irish rebels against the English,
03:18but their defeat marked the end of Gaelic Ireland.
03:21It withstood pirate attacks in the 17th century,
03:24when Algerian pirates raided Kinsale, kidnapping townsfolk.
03:28Some were never seen again.
03:30There was also great tragedy.
03:32Kinsale was a major hub for the transatlantic trade,
03:35but also saw tragedy, like the 1915 sinking of the Lusitania nearby,
03:41which drew the U.S. into World War I.
03:44Today you can uncover these tales at the Kinsale Museum,
03:47or just wander the streets where every building has a story.
03:51For centuries, Kinsale's lifeblood was its fishing fleet.
03:55In the 1800s, over 200 boats worked these waters.
03:59But did you know?
04:00The herring boom in the 1960s, when Kinsale was a herring hotspot,
04:05so much so that the smell of fish hung over the town.
04:08Kinsale once also had a thriving salmon industry,
04:11but today, only a few traditional fishermen remain.
04:15Kinsale's catch supplies its famous restaurants,
04:17like Fishy Fishy, owned by celebrity chef Martin Shanahan.
04:21Visit Kinsale's weekly farmer's market,
04:24or take a fishing trip with a local crew.
04:26Kinsale isn't just about history.
04:28It's a sailor's paradise.
04:30With its deep harbor and steady winds,
04:32it's been a sailing hub for centuries.
04:34Finally, some fun facts.
04:37Kinsale's Yacht Club is one of Ireland's oldest.
04:40Sailing is a major part of Kinsale's life.
04:44The Sovereign's Cup is a biennial regatta,
04:46and draws elite sailors from across Europe and the world.
04:50In the 1600s, privateers legal pirates
04:53operated from Kinsale attacking enemy ships for the British crown.
04:57Try a sailing lesson at Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre,
05:01or just enjoy a sunset cruise.
05:02From luxury spas to haunted forts,
05:05pirate battles to gourmet delights,
05:07Kinsale is a town like no other.
05:09So, what are you waiting for?
05:10Pack your bags and discover its magic for yourself.
05:13So that's our look at Kinsale Ireland's food capital.
05:16If we have sparked a wish to visit, we are delighted.
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