EXPLORE THE AREA

Originally a medieval fishing port, the picturesque town of Kinsale is the perfect base for a diving holiday and has something to interest everyone, whether you’re into water sports (apart from diving obviously!) shopping, art, live music, strolling through winding streets and on beaches, there’s something for you. History buffs and foodies especially will be in their element!

Once, in the distant past, Kinsale was known as the End of the World, and then America was discovered. Today, situated at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale is far from the “end of the World” but your doorway to many new adventures both under and over the waves.

Probably one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns, Kinsale is situated only 25km from Cork International Airport and Cork City. For those who might like to explore this beautiful city, there is regular bus service from Kinsale. If you are more inclined to head for wide open spaces, Kinsale is the gateway to West Cork, offering beautiful, unspoiled, uncrowded beaches, rugged mountain trails, world class golf courses, and many places of interest to explore. If you just want to relax and chill, there are many café’s where you can sit, look out on the sea and enjoy a cup of coffee or something cold.

Of interest to many divers is the wreck of the Lusitania, which was sunk by a torpedo on the 7th of May 1915. The wreck (a technical dive) lies straight out from the Old Head lighthouse. There is a museum dedicated to the ship and her sinking situated at the Old Head of Kinsale which is well worth a visit and the cliff scenery is spectacular too. The museum building in Kinsale town, which was previously the courthouse, was the location for the inquest into the sinking.

Spend an afternoon strolling around the narrow, winding streets of Kinsale town, which is home to many independent boutiques offering unique items for a gift or indeed for yourself. Immerse yourself in the history of the town by taking one of the many walking tours offered daily, starting at the Tourist Office. Kinsale also boasts many fine restaurants and cafes that has made it the grommet capital of Ireland.

As you leave and head back into Kinsale Harbour on the dive boat you can’t help but see the amazingly fortified Charles Fort. 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 by the British Army until February 1922. But be aware it also has its own ghost. You will have to visit the fort to find out why the White Lady still haunts the fort.