A Kinsale Stroll

Where I am not understood, it shall be concluded that something very useful and profound is couched underneath.

Jonathan Swift

Kinsale played a pivotal role in European history, a deep sheltered harbour at the Atlantic gateway to control trade or strangle Protestant England into submission to the Holy Roman Empire.

In 1601, Spain landed 3000 soldiers and took control of Kinsale to await the arrival of 7000 Irish warriors to route the English Army. England held the high ground around Kinsale, and lay siege to the Spanish invaders with a small force while their main Army defeated the Irish. The French attempted to secure Kinsale in 1690 but England prevailed again, and built two great star fortresses to guard the harbour entrance. The best preserved is Charles Fort, the English Army occupied it until 1922 when Ireland became an independent Nation.

In 1915, a German submarine sank the Lusitania just 10 miles off the Kinsale coast with the loss of 1200 souls and turned the debate in the United States towards entering the war in Europe.

This rich history is brought to life for travellers by Don Herily and Barry Moloney on their Historic Stroll Kinsale, Rick Steves‘ must do attraction in this small port town. Excited to show us his town and his daily tour gig, Barry led us out into the cool morning air his passion for history evident in every fact and story that revealed the rich tapestry of Kinsale’s past. After a quick bus ride to Charles Fort, Barry handed us over to the local Heritage Ireland guide to delve deeper into the military history before a harbour stroll back to Kinsale for lunch. A wonderful day in this small but historic town.