Kinsale is one town that you simply cannot miss during your time in Ireland. It is an absolutely beautiful and historic town in County Cork that has it all.
This article will hopefully give you an insight into some of the best-loved pubs in Kinsale so you can start planning your epic Irish pub crawl!
Kinsale is one of the best places to visit in Ireland, and there are many things to do in Kinsale to keep you busy. But at the very least if you travel to Cork city, it’s a great day trip.
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About Kinsale Ireland
Kinsale is a fantastic town to act as your base if you plan on exploring the south coast of Ireland. There are loads of things to do in West Cork, and in Kinsale itself, there are plenty of things to do.
If you are a golfer, then Old Head Golf Course is one of the most beautiful courses in Ireland and definitely worth checking out.
As well as that, Charles Fort is a fantastic star-shaped fort that is over 300 years old.
Foodies should also check out the famous Dinos which is a fish and chip place in Kinsale that is famous all around Ireland. People queue for hours just to get a taste! Fish and chips is one of the most popular dishes in Ireland.
Now, time for the important stuff: Here is our list of some of the best Kinsale pubs to entertain you in the evenings when you’re finished exploring.
1. The Tap Tavern
You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to Kinsale pubs and watering holes. There are so many to choose from and if you’re looking for the quintessential Irish experience then look no further than The Tap Tavern.
It is an absolutely beautiful pub that has been owned by the same family for hundreds of years. It is one of the more traditional pubs in Kinsale and has a warm welcome and lovely atmosphere.
Mary is the owner and locals call the place Mary Taps. She is a wonderful publican and doesn’t take any nonsense from anyone coming into the pub. Rick Steves even went so far as to call her the godmother of Kinsale.
Mary Taps is a real local pub in Kinsale and it is the perfect place to go and have a chat with some locals. The inside is decorated with licence plates from all over the US on the walls & ceilings and there are lots of old photos to check out too.
This place has it all! And if you’re looking for a dog-friendly pub in Kinsale, then this is the place to go. You can find this awesome Kinsale pub on the map, here.
2. Daltons Bar
Dalton’s Pub is the pub to go to in Kinsale if you want to hear traditional Irish music in its natural habitat! In the summertime, there is live music on most nights of the week starting around half nine in the evenings. Everyone is encouraged to join in and sing along as well.
In the winter, there is a very cosy fire which can keep you warm while you sip a pint of creamy Guinness!
There is no stage, no sound system — just a bunch of incredibly talented musicians sitting around each other and playing the night away.
They also have some delicious local beers on tap. The pub itself is quite snug, so if you want a seat make sure to show up early. You can find Daltons bar on the map of Kinsale, here.
3. The Greyhound
The Greyhound is an incredibly authentic, old-fashioned Irish pub. Like the Spaniard (bel0w), this pub dates back to the 1600s and it really feels like it when you step inside. It’s like stepping into history.
This pub has no frills and all character, it really is a gem of a place. Inside you can see the old-fashioned snugs that the women used to have to drink in which are now the perfect place for a quiet pint with a friend.
The sign which hangs outside the pub dates back to 1690 and if you are looking for a completely authentic pub in Kinsale then The Greyhound is hard to beat. You can find it on the map, here.
4. The Spaniard Inn
The Spaniard Inn is a wonderful pub that looks out over the town of Kinsale. The pub is built on the foundations of an old castle and has been in operation since about 1650.
It’s called The Spaniard to honour Spanish man, Don Juan d’Aquila who took part in the battle of Kinsale back in 1601.
In the summertime, you will find most people out and enjoying the good weather over a pint so if you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to add this pub to your list! Find the Spaniard Inn pub on the map here.
5. The Bulman
If you want a pint with a view, then the Bulman is definitely the pub to check out. The Bulman sits out on the waterfront overlooking the sea and is the perfect pub to spend an afternoon in.
The Bulman is about 30 minutes walk from the centre of Kinsale and is a great choice if you plan on checking out Charles Fort as it is only a short walk from the pub.
If you end up here you have to try their fresh and delicious seafood. I definitely recommend the monkfish, fish and chips or the scallops… You can’t go wrong! All of their food is delicious and they have plenty of non-seafood options too.
If the weather is good then you should sit outside and soak up the (rarely seen) Irish sun with a pint in your hand. Find your way to this Kinsale watering hole here.
6. The Folk House
The Folk House is a wonderfully energetic Irish pub in the heart of Kinsale. The pub dates back to 1745 and is a wonderful blend of Irish pub and music venue.
They have live music on from Thursday to Sunday and The Folk House is definitely the place to be if you want to dance the night away!
The atmosphere here is fantastic and they also have a lovely selection of craft beers on display. This is also the go-to place for whiskey fans as it is very popular for its range of whiskeys to sample. You will not regret spending the evening here! Find it here on the map.
7. The Armada
The Armada pub is a lovely pub situated in the heart of Kinsale. It’s very easy to spot as you will be able to hear the traditional Irish music belting out from the doors.
Mary Coughlan is the proprietor and she runs a tight ship. She also has an amazing wealth of knowledge of the area. The pub is cozy, and you will usually find a musician who can play all sorts of music. What else would you want in a pub?
And that’s it! Did we leave out your favourite pub in Kinsale?!
Please let us know in the comments and we will be sure to add it to the ever-growing list. Also, be sure to check out our Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary as Kinsale is the first stop on the journey, and for good reason too!
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