Kinsale

A weather-worn fishing boat belies the tranquil waters seen in Kinsale, County Cork; these seas, off the southwestern coast of Ireland, can be rough and dangerous. The harbour at Kinsale was an English naval base until the 18th century.

Seaport and tourist centre in County Cork, Republic of Ireland; population (2002) 2,260. Kinsale Harbour is the estuary of the River Bandon; it is 1 km/0.6 mi wide by 3 km/2 mi long. Many buildings date from the 18th century and there are some medieval ruins in the town. There is a small natural gas field, 48 km/30 mi off the Old Head of Kinsale.

The lighthouse off the Old Head of Kinsale is the first sign of land for ships coming from the USA. The Lusitania was sunk nearby in 1915.

Features Kinsale is built on the slopes of Compass Hill and the streets are narrow and steep. The town was invaded by Spanish forces in 1601–02, and after the defeat of the Spanish and Irish forces in the Battle of Kinsale (1602), it became an English town. Until the 18th century it was one of the chief ports of the English navy. At Summercore, adjacent to Kinsale, is Charles Fort, a star-shaped military garrison built in 1677, overlooking Kinsale harbour. It is one of the few well-preserved examples of such military architecture in the world.

Kinsale Gourmet Week is held annually in August.