Trident Hotel Kinsale

Embark on a adventure and enjoy Kinsale from a different perspective - from the sea with skipper Brian Roberts and his friendly canine first mate Alfie.

Kinsale Mead Co. Tours. Spend an hour on an entertaining, fun experience learning all about Mead. Mead is known as the honeymoon drink, fermented from honey, it is the world’s oldest alcoholic drink dating back as far as 6,000 B.C. The Meadery Tour starts with an overview of Mead’s long and glorious global history. We’ll talk about the bees and then walk through the production area. You’ll see our honey and sample some, and where our meads are fermented, matured and bottled. You will be able to taste four meads in our tasting room including some only on offer in the meadery, understanding each mead’s flavour profiles and how best to serve and pair with different foods.

Kinsale Food Tours are walking daytime food tours which explore the tantalising treats and fascinating food history of Kinsale. Food is an integral part of what makes Kinsale the Gourmet Capital of Ireland and we happily guide your tummy on a culinary adventure. The Kinsale Food Tours is a great idea to sample food in a selection of restaurants to ensure you don't miss out. These tours give you unique access ‘behind the scenes’ to see what makes the food and its producers so special

The Tower was built in 1805 as a response to the threat of invasion from Napoleonic France. While it was described as a ‘fencible guardhouse’ giving the impression of a military fortification of some kind, its function was primarily as a station for passing urgent messages from its neighbouring stations west and east or from ships at sea by line of sight readings to Dublin Castle. While it was lightly guarded it could not long withstand, unlike the much stronger Martello Towers built around the same time, any pounding from cannon fire. Luckily, it never came to that as the Napoleonic threat faded rapidly within a few years. The Signal Tower has spectacular views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale (from the Irish, Ceann tSaile – ‘Head of the Sea’) is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland. Visitors to Kinsale are captivated by its beautiful setting; its long waterfront, yacht-filled harbour, narrow winding streets and brightly painted galleries, shops and houses. The impressive fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort guard the narrow entrance from the sea – giving clues to its rich history. There are several guided walking tours available and plenty of information at the Kinsale Tourist Office in the centre of the town.

Perhaps the best-known historical attraction in Kinsale, Charles Fort, is a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. It is open all year, and regular guided tours are available. Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use until 1922. You will witness some of the most breath-taking views from Charlesfort. Charlesfort is open all year round with guided tours available.

Feel the excitement and power of the wind in the sails while you steer a sailing yacht past some of Ireland’s spectacular coastal views. Set Sail within the stunning sheltered harbour of Kinsale, passing the famous Charles and James forts which hint towards Kinsale’s vital strategic importance in years gone by. Kinsale harbour is the ideal location to set off sailing for the day and there are plenty of sailing companies to choose from. Check out Kinsale.ie for a listing of local sailing companies or water activities.