Kinsale, Ireland

After visiting Cork, Ireland for a few days, we decided to explore further afield for a day trip. Not having a car, a bus was our best option to get around, and we thought this would be a great way to see the green countryside on our way.

Leaving Cork Parnell Place bus station we waited for the number 226 bus to Kinsale Town Carpark. A big double decker bus came along and took us on our journey down the winding country roads.

We arrived in the quaint little town of Kinsale in just under an hour. The bus stopped in the town centre alongside the water with docked yachts and boats. We took note of the bus stop on the other side of the road in preparation for the bus back to Cork.

A short walk across the road we found a lovely little cafe called Poets Corner. It was perfect timing for lunch so we popped in for a cake and hot chocolate to warm us up. The cafe suited the town perfectly—it was cozy and warm with a whole wall on one side covered with shelves of books.

From the quayside, looking across the water towards a peninsula of land, stands a 17th century fortress called James Fort, overlooking the River Bandon. We decided to go and investigate, so we followed the road R600 out of town, turning left across the only bridge.

As we crossed this bridge, it poured down with rain, drops were hitting us in the face horizontally as we realized there was nowhere near by to take cover. Both wearing jeans made running across the bridge even harder. Wondering if we had made a good decision to take the 2 mile walk to the fort, we pressed on as we were now over half way there.

Smiling to each other as we walked through Castle Park village after being soaked on the bridge, we arrived at our destination. You are free to explore the ruined fortress and discover the tunnels and high walls, sometimes hidden by undergrowth and overgrown trees. It was a very cold day and the wind was strong, but this added to the effect as you could hear the wind whistling through the gaps in the old walls.

From the top of the Fort you had 360 degree views, looking back at the colorfully painted houses of Kinsale. As the crow flies its not very far from town, but we crossed the only bridge to get here, and that is much further down the road.

Heading back down the east side of the peninsula looking across to the mainland, on the rivers opposite bank, you can see another fortruss called Charles Fort, proudly looking over the area.

Continuing on down the river we came to a small beach area, this was not the day to be playing on the beach as it was very cold and wet. We imagined this would be well used in the summer months, with the views and the yellow sand.

It was getting dark as we headed back, following the route we came on. The sun had been hidden behind think gray cloud all day. Then all of a sudden beautiful sunlight broke through and lit up the sky with rays of colour, reflecting across the river. This gave us renewed energy as we crossed the bridge and took the road along the river back to town.