Day 3: From Dublin to the Colorful Charm of Kinsale
After two wonderful days exploring Dublin’s historic streets, it was time to embark on the next phase of our Ireland adventure. Day three marked our transition from city exploration to a countryside road trip that would take us to explore Irish castles and coastal villages.
Setting Off on the Irish Roads
The morning began with a practical errand – picking up our rental car at Dublin airport. Armed with our road map and a sense of adventure, we set off toward the southern coast, with two magnificent stops planned along the way exploring Irish castles and coastal villages.
Kilkenny Castle: Medieval Grandeur
Our first destination was the impressive Kilkenny Castle, a fortress with roots dating back to 1210. For nearly 600 years (1391-1967), this magnificent structure served as the primary residence of the influential Butler family. Walking through its stately rooms, we marveled at how the castle had evolved over the centuries, with each generation leaving its architectural mark.
The park surrounding the castle spans an impressive 51 acres of lush greenery. We took some time to wander through the peaceful grounds, watching local families enjoy picnics and children playing on the expansive lawns beneath ancient trees. The backdrop of imposing medieval structure against these everyday scenes make you realize just hot much history Ireland has to offer.
After exploring the castle, we discovered a hidden gem tucked away on a small side street – La Bottega Italian Deli. This charming café provided a wonderful lunch break with delicious pizzas and sandwiches, giving us the energy boost we needed for the next part of our adventure.
Rock of Cashel: Where History Touches the Sky
Continuing our journey southward, we arrived at the Rock of Cashel – an awe-inspiring collection of medieval buildings perched dramatically on a limestone outcrop. Also known as St. Patrick’s Rock, this historic site features a 12th-century round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, and the beautifully preserved Cormac’s Chapel.
The wind whipped around us as we explored the ruins, a reminder of Ireland’s untamed elements. This ancient religous site offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside that simply take your breath away. Perhaps most fascinating was discovering that the Rock houses one of Ireland’s oldest active graveyards, a testament to its enduring spiritual significance.
Kinsale: A Colorful Coastal Village
As evening approached, we completed our drive to the charming fishing town of Kinsale, immediately captivated by its narrow streets lined with buildings painted in vibrant blues, yellows, and reds. Our accommodation at the Perryville House proved to be a true highlight – an elegant, historic property with impeccable service, luxury touches, and gourmet breakfast was perfect for our anniversary celebration.
Following the recommendation of our thoughtful hosts, we enjoyed what would become the finest meal of our entire trip at Finns’ Farmcut. This intimate restaurant offered a cozy, romantic setting where we savored expertly prepared steaks, local produce, and delicious desserts. The small, personal atmosphere created the perfect end to our first day on the road.
Day 4: Coastal Forts and Maritime Heritage
We awoke to a pleasant surprise – clear morning skies (a precious gift in Ireland!) with rain predicted for the afternoon. Making the most of the good weather, we quickly adjusted our plans to begin with outdoor adventures.
The Scenic Scilly Walk
Starting right from our hotel doorstep, we embarked on the picturesque Scilly Walk, a coastal path that hugs the edge of Kinsale’s harbor. The clear morning skies allowed us to appericated the colorful village and bobbing fishing boats as we followed the trail along the water’s edge.
Charles Fort: Centuries of Defense
The Scilly Walk led us to the impressive Charles Fort, one of Ireland’s most remarkable military installations. Constructed between 1678 and 1682, this star-shaped fortress was designed to protect Kinsale Harbor from naval attacks. The fort fell to British forces in 1690 and remained an active British military barracks for an astonishing 240 years.
Walking along the massive stone walls offered us breathtaking views of the harbor entrance and the wild Atlantic beyond. The perfectly preserved military buildings, officer quarters, and powder magazines gave us a fascinating glimpse into centuries of Irish military history. We could easily imagine sentries standing watch, scanning the horizon for approaching enemy ships.
Cobh: A Town of Departures
As predicted, afternoon brought clouds and light rain, making it the perfect time to drive to the historic port town of Cobh (pronounced “Cove”). This harborside community lays claim to being the last port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic before its tragic Atlantic crossing.
We spent a captivating few hours at the Cobh Heritage Centre, which beautifully documents the town’s significant maritime history. The exhibits thoughtfully explore Cobh’s role not just in the Titanic story, but as a major departure point for millions of Irish emigrants during the Great Famine and beyond. The personal stories of those who left their homeland in search of new beginnings were particularly moving. We learned that Cork Harbor is the second-largest natural harbor in the world, which explained its historical importance as a shipping port.
Seaside Dining in Fishy Fishy
Returning to Kinsale as evening approached, we concluded our day with a fitting dinner at Fishy Fishy, a renowned seafood restaurant showcasing daily catches from local fishing boats. From the window of the restaurant, we could see the harbor where our meal had been sourced just hours before. The fresh seafood chowder, packed with local fish and shellfish, was particularly memorable.
Reflections on Dublin to Kinsale
Our transition from Dublin’s urban energy to the coastal tranquility of Kinsale offered a perfect contrast that highlighted Ireland’s diverse appeal. The journey between these destinations revealed Ireland’s rich tapestry of history and took us from Irish castles to coastal villages.
Kinsale itself emerged as one of our favorite stops of the entire journey. Its picture-perfect harbor, winding streets, and genuinely warm locals embodied the Ireland we had imagined. The town’s reputation as a culinary destination proved well-deserved, with some of the finest meals of our trip enjoyed in this colorful fishing village.
Days three and four of our Irish adventure perfectly captured the essence of what makes Ireland so captivating – a seamless blend of dramatic history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. As we settled into our charming accommodations in Kinsale, we couldn’t help but feel excited for what lay ahead on the famed Dingle Peninsula. To see more of our Kinsale adventure check out our video!
Stay tuned for our next installment, where we’ll take you along to the magical landscape of the Dingle Peninsula!
