Kinsale recently topped Ireland Before You Die’s List of 10 Most Colourful Towns and Villages in Ireland and the bright colours are sure to brighten your spirits. Walking around the town the town soaking up all the vibrant colours is an experience in itself and is a must-do for your Kinsale day trip!

We recommend grabbing take-away coffee  and munch and heading to Kinsale’s stunning harbour to breathe in the fresh sea air and listen to the sea gulls while staring out across the water. For those of you who have packed outdoor equipment for your day trip, the harbour is a great pot for water activity and sailing, SUPing, kayaking and even wind-surfing.

Window shopping is another must-do while walking around the town, Kinsale has a collection of unique boutiques whose products are available to order on their websites, find something special and treat yourself!

If you want to just hang around Kinsale on your day trip and avoid the car there’s plenty to see and do that can be reached by foot!

If you’re looking for a walk within the town, there’s Compass Hill, a looped walk above the town that has lovely views of the town from above.

For a walk on the sea’s edge, there’s the popular Scilly Walk  that wraps around Kinsale harbour. The walk offers beautiful views of the harbour and the historic sites of James Fort and Charles Fort and you can spot sea birds, seals and sometimes even pods of dolphins! Doing the Scilly Walk Loop will also lead you to Charles Fort or back to town via Higher Road which has some of the most stunning views of the town.

If you fancy some history Charles Fort is the place for you! This fantastic national heritage monument gives you an insight into Kinsale’s rich history and has incredible views of the town and out to sea.

If you want to continue your walk below Charles Fort there is another beautiful coastal walk leading from Sally Port to Lower Cove and beyond. As this is slightly further from the town, this scenic spot is usually quiet and tranquil.

If you want to just hang around Kinsale on your day trip and avoid the car there’s plenty to see and do that can be reached by foot!

If you’re looking for a walk within the town, there’s Compass Hill, a looped walk above the town that has lovely views of the town from above.

For a walk on the sea’s edge, there’s the popular Scilly Walk  that wraps around Kinsale harbour. The walk offers beautiful views of the harbour and the historic sites of James Fort and Charles Fort and you can spot sea birds, seals and sometimes even pods of dolphins! Doing the Scilly Walk Loop will also lead you to Charles Fort or back to town via Higher Road which has some of the most stunning views of the town.

If you fancy some history Charles Fort is the place for you! This fantastic national heritage monument gives you an insight into Kinsale’s rich history and has incredible views of the town and out to sea.

If you want to continue your walk below Charles Fort there is another beautiful coastal walk leading from Sally Port to Lower Cove and beyond. As this is slightly further from the town, this scenic spot is usually quiet and tranquil.

Whether you prefer strolling, sprinting, peddling or driving there are so many gorgeous sites to explore in Kinsale!

The popular Scilly Walk wraps around the harbour’s edge and brings you so close the sea you feel like you’re walking on water. The walk offers beautiful views of the harbour and the historic sites of James Fort and Charles Fort and you can spot sea birds and sometimes seals or even pods of dolphins! Doing the Scilly Walk Loop will also lead you to Higher Road which has some of the most stunning views of the town.

Further on from Scilly we’re lucky to have the National Monument of Charles Fort which opened to safely accept visitors on specific dates during lockdown. Visiting the Fort gives locals a great opportunity to step into the town’s rich history and learn a little more about their unique home. Below Charles Fort there is another beautiful coastal walk leading from Sally Port to Lower Cove and beyond. As this is slightly further from the town, this scenic spot is usually quiet and offers a healthy dose of tranquility. This is a walk you can do at your own discretion, if you fancy a longer walk, you can continue out towards panoramic Preghane which teeters on the tip of Kinsale’s 5km radius.

On the Other side of town you can take your pick of many more beautiful locations in our 5km. At James Fort you’ll be able to get a fix of history walking around the headland that features the old fort. With grassy plots this is a great place for taking your dog for a walk or getting in hilly sprints. This beautiful location gives you a wonderful 360 view along the Bandon River, across to the town, Charles Fort and out to sea, it is a true feast for the eyes. Next to James Fort, the Dock Beach is the only sandy beach within Kinsale’s 5km and is the perfect setting for a very refreshing dip in the sea or making sandcastles with the kids!

Heading over to Sandycove, you’ll find a stunning cove once used by Smugglers that has now been reclaimed by wild swimmers and kayakers. At Sandycove there is also a gorgeous cliff-side walking path that gives you breathtaking panoramas stretching out to sea and to beautiful inlets below the cliffs. You’ll also be able to see the historic Church and Graveyard of Courtaparteen Famine Village that sits on the rugged coastline.

With so much to do in such a small area, we’re lucky to be in Kinsale!

Find Out More About Running In Kinsale Here

Find Out More About Cycling In Kinsale Here