We recently spent a few days exploring the colourful harbour town of Kinsale, the starting point of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, and quickly discovered plenty of places we'd happily return to. From refreshing sea swims and cosy coffee stops to independent bookshops and fantastic places to eat, here are some of our favourite finds to inspire your own visit.
WHERE TO SWIM
There are plenty of good places for a dip around Kinsale, but we kept returning to Sandycove. Just ten minutes south of town, it's a beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear water. Dock Beach, closer to the centre, is another great option for a quick morning swim.
WHAT TO DO
If you're feeling adventurous, book a trip with Kinsale Sea Safari. Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to spot basking sharks.
WHERE TO GET COFFEE
The Collector and OHK Cafe were our favourite coffee stops, both well worth seeking out. You might even spy Harth on the shelves at OHK, too.
WHERE TO EAT
The meal we'll be talking about for a long time was at St Francis Provisions. It's tiny, unfussy and completely deserving of its Bib Gourmand. Everything we ate was exceptional.
WHERE TO DRINK
You could happily spend an evening wandering between pubs here, but our favourites were The Bulham Bar and The Spaniard.
WHERE TO SHOP
We loved Prim's Bookshop, a second-hand bookshop by day that transforms into a cosy wine bar in the evening, often with live music.
WHERE TO STAY
There are plenty of lovely Airbnb options in and around Kinsale. Try Two Pod Glamping Retreat, for example. We ventured a little further afield and stayed at the most gorgeous corrugated cabinoverlooking the water near Ballymalloe, just under an hour's drive away.
