Activites Available in Kinsale

Picture of man in tweeds shooting Just 8 miles from Kinsale is the beautiful Nohoval Cove where claybird shooting is available on the private Turrets estate. Claybird shooting offers an all year-round alternative to shooting live game birds suitable for all levels of expertise. Clays can be fired in drives to simulated the flights of different game birds, mimicking their speed and trajectory, or as a sporting layout.

Tuition is available for beginners, as are shotguns, or you can bring your own gun if it is insured and licensed. Nohoval Cove has a history of shipwrecks and smuggling and provides a stunning backdrop to the shooting. To protect the natural environment, only fibre wad cartridges are used. Costs are from £45 per person for groups of six or more. Advance reservation essential - sessions are usually half a day. Telephone 774534 or 887149.
Email: info@claybird.ie

Trawler sailiing past Charles Fort, Kinsale - Photo John Collins

Along the coast of Kinsale are many fine spots for fishing. The deep harbour allows access at all stages of the tide, and the fishing grounds are only a short steaming time from port. For a number of years Kinsale has been an important deep sea angling centre, and blue shark are a speciality of the town. The wreck of the Lusitania lying 11.5 miles from the Old Head of Kinsale is an excellent and very popular angling mark. Game angling for salmon and trout is available on the Bandon River. There are some good shore angling marks from the rocks on the Old Head of Kinsale and the new bridge in Kinsale is a favourite spot at certain stages of the tide.

A new fleet of 43 ft boats is now operating from Castlepark Marina Centre costing £245 per day for groups of up to twelve people. Individual places cost £30 per person per day. Rod hire £5 per person. Fishing over reefs and wrecks for Ling, Conger, Blue Shark etc. No previous experience required. Skipper provides tea and coffee, packed lunches available to order. Advance reservation strongly recommended. Telephone 774959.

Ringenane, Kinsale
Two miles from Kinsale off the Cork road, operated by Kinsale Golf Club, Ringenane is a 9-hole course. Green fees £10 per round, club hire £7.50, caddie cars £2. Telephone 772197.

Farrangalway, Kinsale
Home of Kinsale Golf Club, Farrangalway is an 18-hole parkland course. Green fees £20 midweek, £25 weekend. Club hire per set with trolley £10, electric buggy £20. Lesson available from professional Ger Broderick. Telephone to check availability especially at weekends. Telephone 774722.

Old Head Golf Links
Spectacular 18-hole links course on the Old Head of Kinsale five miles from the town centre. Green fees £50 weekdays, £60 weekends. Caddies £20, buggies £20, club hire £15. Full bar and restaurant facilities, extensive professionals shop. Essential to make advance booking. Telephone 778444.

Departing from the Trident Hotel marina and Castlepark marina,the Mary Rose is a 31 ft twin engine motor boat offering harbour trips to individuals and groups. No reservations required. Schedule on display at Trident marina or telephone Castlepark Marina 774959.

One hour harbour cruises available aboard the new luxury vessel "Spirit of Kinsale" out to the harbour entrance and up the Bandon river. Commentary, music, bar and snacks. Enclosed lower deck with carpeted, deluxe lounge and open air top deck. Available for coach groups and private charters. Adults £5, children £3. Telephone 773188.

Small boat hire - hire your own boat with cuddy cabin and outboard engine. New fleet of 16 ft boats with safety equipment. Can be hired by the week, by the day (£50) or half day (£30). Suitable for up to six people to explore the Bandon river and Kinsale harbour. Boats berthed at Castlepark Marina. Tel: 775959.

Ferry to Castlepark and beach
A passenger ferry runs from the Trident Hotel Marina to Castlepark Marina. The ferry takes three minutes and provides easy access to James Fort and the beach. Hourly service during the season. £1 per passage per person.

A number of equestrian centres are located in the Kinsale hinterland. In nearby Belgooly the famous showjumper Robert Splaine has an excellent riding centre. Innishannon Horse Centre is another popular facility for those interested in showjumping and three day eventing, while dressage is the speciality at the Skevanish Equestrian Centre, also near Innishannon. Cross country enthusiasts will enjoy the course at Knocknamana House in Minane Bridge built by the coursebuilders of the famous Burleigh Horse Trials. Kinsale lies in the centre of the South Union Foxhunt territory, with Hunter Trials held at Fort Arthur near Kinsale in spring and autumn, and the annual Point to Point taking place on the outskirts of the town during the first weekend in June.

Follyfoot Riding Farm
Located six miles north of Kinsale at Riverstick. Horse riding lessons, hacking and trekking available for all age groups. All rides supervised by a BHSAI, ICES qualified instructor. One hour £10, half hour £6. Special group rates available. Advance booking advisable. Come and have some fun! Telephone Mary, 771324.

Ballinadee Pony Trekking and Horse Riding Farm
Ballinadee offers a fine selection of friendly horses and ponies with accomplished guides to lead you. The best of trekking over rolling farmland and beautiful countryside. All levels and beginners welcome. One hour and half day treks. All weather outdoor arena, changing rooms, tea room and all riding equipment available. Telephone Philomena and Denis O'Donoghue, 771852.

The Trident Hotel Leisure Centre is open to non-residents and non-members providing gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and specialising in fitness training. Open 7 days a week 9.30 to 21.30 pm. £4 per visit. Limited Aerobic classes in summer. Massage available by appointment. Telephone 772301.

Beginners pottery workshops are held at Crackpots throughout the year. Courses are 2-5 days, mainly aimed at beginners. Introduction to materials and equipment, coil work, slab work, electric wheel, decorating and glazing. For further information contact Carol Norman 772847.

Experience the excitement and thrill of All Terrain Vehicles around a unique and specially designed cross country course. Novice and experienced riders welcome, as the course caters for all levels of ability. Full training is given by qualified staff and a guide accompanies each tour. Safety and weather gear are provided as are changing facilities and showers. Course open all year round. Advance booking advisable. Maximum number for each tour is six. Minimum age 16. Cost £20 per person per hour. Telephone Brian or Aileen at 776050.

The coast south west of Kinsale provides some of the best cruising grounds in Europe. Kinsale Yacht Club has been well established as a significant sailing centre for nearly twenty years.

Blue Flag marina facilities are available for visiting boats both off the Pier Road, and at Castlepark outside the town.

Sail Ireland Charters provide day sails on luxury yachts - sail out of Kinsale Harbour past Charles Fort and James Fort to explore the beautiful Irish coastline. Marvel at spectacular cliffs, enjoy the tranquillity of Oysterhaven Bay or sail out to the famous Old Head of Kinsale.

Based at the Trident Hotel, Sail Ireland has a fleet of yachts from 35 ft to 50ft. Day, half day or evening sails with Skipper for groups and individuals. From £15 per person or £80 per yacht for a half day sailing. also bareboat, weekly and weekends. Visit the Trident Marine and see the yachts.

Shearwater Cruises hires a 40ft ketch, skippered by John Petch for daily and week long cruises of the coastline with emphasis on natural history. Berth and/or catering supplied. Indicative costs £150 per day including skipper but not food. Advance reservation only. Telephone 023 48910.

Kinsale is the base for some of the best scuba diving sites on the south west coast. A Padi Dive Centre operates from Castlepark Marina Centre. The centre operates from a new, purpose-built 43ft Aquastar dive boat and has a 7.5m RIB with all diving instrumentation. Dive equipment can be hired or bought and cylinders filled. During the summer months newcomers can take a 3 hour "Discover Scuba" course to experience life underwater for the first time. In one session you can learn the basics, hire all the equipment, and experience a trial dive from the beach at Castlepark. These sessions are held daily with a qualified instructor who works with small groups of divers. There are also PADI Open Water courses which take four days. Telephone 774959.

The best and most exciting way of getting to know any town is to walk around it. Kinsale is a town of many small winding streets and there are also beautiful strolls along the coasts and beaches within easy reach. Walking tours of the town depart the Tourist Office daily at 11.15 and 2.15 in the company of Don Herlihy who talks about the history of the town and points out many places of interest. The tour takes one hour and costs £3.50 per person. No reservation is required. The walk is leisurely and suitable for all ages. For group reservations telephone 772873.

Charles Fort
At Summercove, Kinsale, Charles Fort is open for visitors daily from 10.00 to 18.00 - last admission 17.15. Adults £2, senior citizens £1.50, children and students £1, family tickets £5. The fort is a fine example of a 17th century star-shaped fort. Allow up to one hour to wander through the Fort and see the exhibition centre. Guided tours available on the hour during the summer season at no extra cost. For group reservations telephone 772263.

Desmond Castle and the Wine Museum
At Cork Street in the centre of the town, Desmond Castle dates from around 1500 and now houses a modern display of the history of the castle and the town. A new Wine Museum gives the history of the "Wine Geese" - the Irish families who became involved in the wine trade overseas. This is an essential half-hour all-weather activity. Adults £1.50, senior citizens and groups £1, students and children 60p, family tickets £4. Opening hours 10 am to 6 p.m. Telephone 774855.

"Hike Those Heights"
Hillwalking with Tim Cotter, Day Walks, Weekend Breaks, Holiday Packages and Cycling Tours

Close to the town, a wide range of facilities are available at the Oysterhaven Activity Centre, Ireland's leading windsurfing centre. Windsurfers, dinghies and canoes are available for rental on an hourly basis. Sailing/windsurfing courses for adults and children, afternoons, evenings and weekends. The centre is open 10 am to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 10 am to 7 p.m. Friday to Sunday. During July and August five day multiactivity courses are available for 4 year olds to adults including windsurfing, kayaking, adventure trails and team challenges plus sailing in single-handed and crewed dinghies. Visitors are welcome to join in on a daily basis. Advance reservations recommended. Telephone 770738.

Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre
The Centre is based in the town of Kinsale and offers dinghy sailing, canoeing, board sailing, rock climbing, body boarding, orienteering, team challenges and archery to groups of all sizes from 6 year olds to adults all year round. Expert instruction plus all specialised equipment included in the cost. Advance reservation advised. Telephone Barbara 772896.

Jet Ski Hire
Experience the thrill of jet skiing on high powered water craft. Training will be given by a qualified instructor. Beginners welcome - Thursday to Monday inclusive. Located a quarter of a mile past the Trident Hotel at the New Bridge. Cost for two persons £20 for 15 minutes, £35 for 30 minutes. Single rates available on request. Telephone Simon 088 2782430.

Claybird Shooting

Fishing

Golf

Harbour Trips

Horse Riding

Leisure Centre

Pottery Workshops

Quad Bikes

Sailing

Scuba Diving

Walking and Historical Visits

Windsurfing and Watersports

-Home Page -Email Us -Rates -Kinsale -Awards -Lusitania -Claybird Shooting -Fishing -Golf -Harbour Trips -Horse Riding -Leisure Centre -Pottery Workshops -Sailing -Scuba Diving -Quad Bikes -Windsurfing & Watersports -Walking & Historical Visits -Email Us -Reservations & Enquiries -Tourism -News Links -Radio & Television		Fast Navigation Fast Navigation Claybird Shooting \| Fishing \| Golf \| Harbour Trips \| Horse Riding \| Leisure Centre \| Pottery Workshops \| Quad Bikes \| Sailing \| Scuba Diving \| Walking & Historical Visits \| Windsurfing & Watersports Claybird Shooting Just 8 miles from Kinsale is the beautiful Nohoval Cove where claybird shooting is available on the private Turrets estate. Claybird shooting offers an all year-round alternative to shooting live game birds suitable for all levels of expertise. Clays can be fired in drives to simulated the flights of different game birds, mimicking their speed and trajectory, or as a sporting layout. Tuition is available for beginners, as are shotguns, or you can bring your own gun if it is insured and licensed. Nohoval Cove has a history of shipwrecks and smuggling and provides a stunning backdrop to the shooting. To protect the natural environment, only fibre wad cartridges are used. Costs are from £45 per person for groups of six or more. Advance reservation essential - sessions are usually half a day. Telephone 774534 or 887149. Email: info@claybird.ie Fishing Along the coast of Kinsale are many fine spots for fishing. The deep harbour allows access at all stages of the tide, and the fishing grounds are only a short steaming time from port. For a number of years Kinsale has been an important deep sea angling centre, and blue shark are a speciality of the town. The wreck of the Lusitania lying 11.5 miles from the Old Head of Kinsale is an excellent and very popular angling mark. Game angling for salmon and trout is available on the Bandon River. There are some good shore angling marks from the rocks on the Old Head of Kinsale and the new bridge in Kinsale is a favourite spot at certain stages of the tide. A new fleet of 43 ft boats is now operating from Castlepark Marina Centre costing £245 per day for groups of up to twelve people. Individual places cost £30 per person per day. Rod hire £5 per person. Fishing over reefs and wrecks for Ling, Conger, Blue Shark etc. No previous experience required. Skipper provides tea and coffee, packed lunches available to order. Advance reservation strongly recommended. Telephone 774959. Golf Ringenane, Kinsale Two miles from Kinsale off the Cork road, operated by Kinsale Golf Club, Ringenane is a 9-hole course. Green fees £10 per round, club hire £7.50, caddie cars £2. Telephone 772197. Farrangalway, Kinsale Home of Kinsale Golf Club, Farrangalway is an 18-hole parkland course. Green fees £20 midweek, £25 weekend. Club hire per set with trolley £10, electric buggy £20. Lesson available from professional Ger Broderick. Telephone to check availability especially at weekends. Telephone 774722. Old Head Golf Links Spectacular 18-hole links course on the Old Head of Kinsale five miles from the town centre. Green fees £50 weekdays, £60 weekends. Caddies £20, buggies £20, club hire £15. Full bar and restaurant facilities, extensive professionals shop. Essential to make advance booking. Telephone 778444. Harbour Trips Departing from the Trident Hotel marina and Castlepark marina,the Mary Rose is a 31 ft twin engine motor boat offering harbour trips to individuals and groups. No reservations required. Schedule on display at Trident marina or telephone Castlepark Marina 774959. One hour harbour cruises available aboard the new luxury vessel "Spirit of Kinsale" out to the harbour entrance and up the Bandon river. Commentary, music, bar and snacks. Enclosed lower deck with carpeted, deluxe lounge and open air top deck. Available for coach groups and private charters. Adults £5, children £3. Telephone 773188. Small boat hire - hire your own boat with cuddy cabin and outboard engine. New fleet of 16 ft boats with safety equipment. Can be hired by the week, by the day (£50) or half day (£30). Suitable for up to six people to explore the Bandon river and Kinsale harbour. Boats berthed at Castlepark Marina. Tel: 775959. Ferry to Castlepark and beach A passenger ferry runs from the Trident Hotel Marina to Castlepark Marina. The ferry takes three minutes and provides easy access to James Fort and the beach. Hourly service during the season. £1 per passage per person. Horse Riding A number of equestrian centres are located in the Kinsale hinterland. In nearby Belgooly the famous showjumper Robert Splaine has an excellent riding centre. Innishannon Horse Centre is another popular facility for those interested in showjumping and three day eventing, while dressage is the speciality at the Skevanish Equestrian Centre, also near Innishannon. Cross country enthusiasts will enjoy the course at Knocknamana House in Minane Bridge built by the coursebuilders of the famous Burleigh Horse Trials. Kinsale lies in the centre of the South Union Foxhunt territory, with Hunter Trials held at Fort Arthur near Kinsale in spring and autumn, and the annual Point to Point taking place on the outskirts of the town during the first weekend in June. Follyfoot Riding Farm Located six miles north of Kinsale at Riverstick. Horse riding lessons, hacking and trekking available for all age groups. All rides supervised by a BHSAI, ICES qualified instructor. One hour £10, half hour £6. Special group rates available. Advance booking advisable. Come and have some fun! Telephone Mary, 771324. Ballinadee Pony Trekking and Horse Riding Farm Ballinadee offers a fine selection of friendly horses and ponies with accomplished guides to lead you. The best of trekking over rolling farmland and beautiful countryside. All levels and beginners welcome. One hour and half day treks. All weather outdoor arena, changing rooms, tea room and all riding equipment available. Telephone Philomena and Denis O'Donoghue, 771852. Leisure Centre The Trident Hotel Leisure Centre is open to non-residents and non-members providing gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and specialising in fitness training. Open 7 days a week 9.30 to 21.30 pm. £4 per visit. Limited Aerobic classes in summer. Massage available by appointment. Telephone 772301. Pottery Workshops Beginners pottery workshops are held at Crackpots throughout the year. Courses are 2-5 days, mainly aimed at beginners. Introduction to materials and equipment, coil work, slab work, electric wheel, decorating and glazing. For further information contact Carol Norman 772847. Quad Bikes Experience the excitement and thrill of All Terrain Vehicles around a unique and specially designed cross country course. Novice and experienced riders welcome, as the course caters for all levels of ability. Full training is given by qualified staff and a guide accompanies each tour. Safety and weather gear are provided as are changing facilities and showers. Course open all year round. Advance booking advisable. Maximum number for each tour is six. Minimum age 16. Cost £20 per person per hour. Telephone Brian or Aileen at 776050. Sailing The coast south west of Kinsale provides some of the best cruising grounds in Europe. Kinsale Yacht Club has been well established as a significant sailing centre for nearly twenty years. Blue Flag marina facilities are available for visiting boats both off the Pier Road, and at Castlepark outside the town. Sail Ireland Charters provide day sails on luxury yachts - sail out of Kinsale Harbour past Charles Fort and James Fort to explore the beautiful Irish coastline. Marvel at spectacular cliffs, enjoy the tranquillity of Oysterhaven Bay or sail out to the famous Old Head of Kinsale. Based at the Trident Hotel, Sail Ireland has a fleet of yachts from 35 ft to 50ft. Day, half day or evening sails with Skipper for groups and individuals. From £15 per person or £80 per yacht for a half day sailing. also bareboat, weekly and weekends. Visit the Trident Marine and see the yachts. Shearwater Cruises hires a 40ft ketch, skippered by John Petch for daily and week long cruises of the coastline with emphasis on natural history. Berth and/or catering supplied. Indicative costs £150 per day including skipper but not food. Advance reservation only. Telephone 023 48910. Scuba Diving Kinsale is the base for some of the best scuba diving sites on the south west coast. A Padi Dive Centre operates from Castlepark Marina Centre. The centre operates from a new, purpose-built 43ft Aquastar dive boat and has a 7.5m RIB with all diving instrumentation. Dive equipment can be hired or bought and cylinders filled. During the summer months newcomers can take a 3 hour "Discover Scuba" course to experience life underwater for the first time. In one session you can learn the basics, hire all the equipment, and experience a trial dive from the beach at Castlepark. These sessions are held daily with a qualified instructor who works with small groups of divers. There are also PADI Open Water courses which take four days. Telephone 774959. Walking and Historical Visits The best and most exciting way of getting to know any town is to walk around it. Kinsale is a town of many small winding streets and there are also beautiful strolls along the coasts and beaches within easy reach. Walking tours of the town depart the Tourist Office daily at 11.15 and 2.15 in the company of Don Herlihy who talks about the history of the town and points out many places of interest. The tour takes one hour and costs £3.50 per person. No reservation is required. The walk is leisurely and suitable for all ages. For group reservations telephone 772873. Charles Fort At Summercove, Kinsale, Charles Fort is open for visitors daily from 10.00 to 18.00 - last admission 17.15. Adults £2, senior citizens £1.50, children and students £1, family tickets £5. The fort is a fine example of a 17th century star-shaped fort. Allow up to one hour to wander through the Fort and see the exhibition centre. Guided tours available on the hour during the summer season at no extra cost. For group reservations telephone 772263. Desmond Castle and the Wine Museum At Cork Street in the centre of the town, Desmond Castle dates from around 1500 and now houses a modern display of the history of the castle and the town. A new Wine Museum gives the history of the "Wine Geese" - the Irish families who became involved in the wine trade overseas. This is an essential half-hour all-weather activity. Adults £1.50, senior citizens and groups £1, students and children 60p, family tickets £4. Opening hours 10 am to 6 p.m. Telephone 774855. "Hike Those Heights" Hillwalking with Tim Cotter, Day Walks, Weekend Breaks, Holiday Packages and Cycling Tours Windsurfing and Watersports Close to the town, a wide range of facilities are available at the Oysterhaven Activity Centre, Ireland's leading windsurfing centre. Windsurfers, dinghies and canoes are available for rental on an hourly basis. Sailing/windsurfing courses for adults and children, afternoons, evenings and weekends. The centre is open 10 am to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 10 am to 7 p.m. Friday to Sunday. During July and August five day multiactivity courses are available for 4 year olds to adults including windsurfing, kayaking, adventure trails and team challenges plus sailing in single-handed and crewed dinghies. Visitors are welcome to join in on a daily basis. Advance reservations recommended. Telephone 770738. Windsurfing and watersports can also be arranged by Castlepark Marina Centre. Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre The Centre is based in the town of Kinsale and offers dinghy sailing, canoeing, board sailing, rock climbing, body boarding, orienteering, team challenges and archery to groups of all sizes from 6 year olds to adults all year round. Expert instruction plus all specialised equipment included in the cost. Advance reservation advised. Telephone Barbara 772896. Jet Ski Hire Experience the thrill of jet skiing on high powered water craft. Training will be given by a qualified instructor. Beginners welcome - Thursday to Monday inclusive. Located a quarter of a mile past the Trident Hotel at the New Bridge. Cost for two persons £20 for 15 minutes, £35 for 30 minutes. Single rates available on request. Telephone Simon 088 2782430.