Kinsale County Cork, Ireland Travel Guide
The main form of public transport within Kinsale and connecting it to Cork City is Bus Éireann. This national bus service provides reliable connections. The most useful route for visitors is Bus Éireann Route 220, which links Kinsale with Cork City’s Parnell Place Bus Station. The route also serves Cork Airport and various intermediate stops.
Within Kinsale, the main bus stop locates conveniently near the SuperValu supermarket and the tourist information office in the town center. You find detailed route information and current timetables on the Bus Éireann website. It is a good idea to check these in advance, especially for evening or weekend services.
Prepare exact cash fare for bus drivers. Large notes may not get change.
Always check Bus Éireann website for latest schedules, especially for evenings/weekends.
For local travel within Kinsale, walking is the most efficient and enjoyable method. The town is compact.
Marked with "TAXI" roof sign and license number.
Find at ranks (town center, large hotels) or hail. Pre-booking recommended, especially for evenings.
Metered fares. Approx. €10-€15 for Charles Fort trip. Cash preferred, but many accept card (confirm with driver).
Uber not widely used outside Dublin. Rely on local taxis.
Rental vehicles offer flexibility for exploring beyond Kinsale. Kinsale does not have a formal bicycle-sharing program. However, several local shops in Kinsale offer Bicycle rentals for daily or multi-day use.
Kinsale town center offers narrow, winding streets, colorful shopfronts, and historic buildings for leisurely strolls.
Scilly Walk (5km return, harbor views, Charles Fort). Town Center Walks (Main Street, Pearse Street, Market Quay). James Fort Walk (atmospheric ruins, harbor views).
Guided: Kinsale Ghost Tour (evenings). Local guides offer historical/culinary tours. Self-Guided: Maps from tourist office, info panels at sites.
Kinsale offers some unique area transportation choices, mainly for tourists. These are mainly for tourism and scenic enjoyment rather than daily commute.
Kinsale, with its hilly and sometimes cobbled streets, has challenges for those with mobility issues.
Be prepared for uneven surfaces.
Newer buildings and some public spaces are accessible. Older establishments, notably historic buildings, may not have access.
Contact specific venues in advance.
Accessible taxis may be available in Cork City. Book these in advance for specific times, especially if needed for airport transfers.
Pre-booking highly recommended.
Kinsale is a joy to explore by foot or by bike. Utilize Kinsale’s walkability. Many of the town’s best features, from colourful avenues to harbour views, are best discovered by exploring on foot.
Local shops offer Bicycle rentals for daily or multi-day use. Perfect for discovering town and local scenic routes.
Limited dedicated bicycle lanes exist. Cyclists share the road with vehicles. Scenic cycling routes exist along quieter country roads and coastal paths.
Always wear a Bicycle helmet. Consider high-visibility clothing, especially on roads outside the town center.
Utilize Kinsale’s walkability. Many of the town’s best features, from colourful roads to harbour views, are best discovered by discovering by walking.
Walk the Scilly Walk for amazing vistas of Kinsale Harbor.
