Charles Fort
by Nobbe
The Battle of Kinsale, fought in 1601 between a combined Spanish, an Irish force and English armies, was a turning point in Irish history. The harbour is guarded by two very fine star-shaped fortresses built in the 17th century: Charles Fort can be seen in the distance on this photo.
Smoking In Pubs A Sign Of The Past
by clws
Effective March 29, 2004, the Irish Government has implemented a ban smoking in the workplace in Ireland. This means that with effect from that date smoking is forbidden in enclosed places of work in Ireland. This includes office blocks, various buildings, public houses/bars, restaurants and company vehicles.
Any person found guilty of breaching the ban on smoking in the workplace may be subject to a fine of 3,000 euro. The owner, manager or person in charge of the workplace is legally responsible for ensuring that the ban on smoking in the workplace is complied with.
Sailing
by Nobbe
The coast south west of Kinsale provides some of the best cruising grounds in Europe. Kinsale Yacht Club has been well established as a significant sailing centre for nearly twenty years. A boat is handy to have if you want to sail... Well, if you don't have any of your own it can be hired in Kinsale Town.
The Mall and Bowling Green
by Ekaterinburg
If you want to explore a little further then it's time to strart climbing. Beyond Acton's Hotel on the waterfront, turn right onto Denis Quay where you will see another terrace of elegant georgian townhouses, former captains residences. Then turn right again up the steep ST John's Hill and you will come to the pleasant park called Bowling Green and the Municipal Hall. Kinsale being rather an arty-farty sort of place you can be fairly sure there will be something interesting happening in this hall. The last time I passed there was a '5 Rythms - Ecstatic Dance' class in full swing. Further along the mall are the old Alms Houses built in 1682 for the destitute and old and everywhere there are stunning vistas of the harbour and town spread out below. Not many people penetrate up this far which is a shame , because it is a fascinating part of town, full of little nooks and crannies crying out to be explored. The photos show the Ecstatic Dance Class (sounds great doesn't it?) and some of the houses on St John's Hill.
Kinsale Crystal- Better than Waterford
by TRimer
When you are in Kinsale, visit the Kinsale Crystal Factory and store. Started in 1991 by a former Waterford Crystal master craftsman, this small workshop produced traditional, full-lead, mouth-blown and hand-cut crystal.
This is not just a shop- you get to see the craftsman create crystal up close. Unlike Waterford which is mass-produced, this is deep cut crystal. This involves cutting the crystal on high angled wheels by hand - a slow, intricate process, but one that produces the most perfect, clear, crisp crystal.
I bought some wonderful pieces which they shipped back to the state for me- including a ring holder, wine coaster and small vase.
Located on Market Street.