St Multose Church, Kinsale

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Dating back to 1190, St Multose Church is the oldest building in Kinsale and has been in continuous use all this time. Its appearance has been considerably changed since then, some of the original features being kept though. I didn't have much time to have a good look inside as a concert was starting soon. Still, I did notice the interesting wooden Coat of Arms over the doorway and .....the colour of the medieval walls - pink, which I didn't like at all, but VT member JLBG has pointed out to me that it could have been the original colour used by medieval masons. (Thank you Jean-Louis!) If I had had time for closer inspection I might have noticed the inscription in Norman French or some other features surviving from medieval times. Still, it was interesting to look at the ancient church even just from the outside and walk around the graveyard to see the old tombstones. As Kinsale is the town from which the rescue operation of the Lusitania was conducted it is here that some of the victims of the tragic sinking of the liner are buried.

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Very close to the regional Museum is St Multose Church. St Multose founded a monastery here in the 6th century AD and this church is named for him. Built in 1190 but with substantial alterations over the years, this remains an interesting example of Norman architecture. Even if you don't feel like going inside then a walk round the walled churchyard with it's ancient tombstones is a welcome interlude of peace and tranquility. It was in this church that Charles the 2nd was proclaimed King of England by Prince Rupert who's fleet was anchored in Kinsale at the time.