Kinsale, Ireland

Sitting pretty in Kinsale Harbor at the mouth of the Bandon River, just south of Cork, Kinsale enjoys a rich history as a medieval fishing village and important naval port for over 500 years, known for its Battle of Kinsale. The colorful seaside village is strollable, providing easy access to historic sites, museums, and outdoor activities. Kinsale has a celebrated food culture, found in its restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Bastion, and annual gourmet food festivals. Notable buildings include Desmond Castle, built by the ninth Earl of Desmond circa 1500, which has taken on many roles over time, including functioning as a prison, ordnance store, workhouse, and, most recently, the International Museum of Wine. Charles Fort, a seventeenth-century star-shaped fort and Irish National Monument, offers panoramic views and self-guided walks. James Fort, on the river’s opposite bank, boasts grassy headlands and views of the harbor and Kinsale town. Beyond castles, golf lovers can tee off at the world-renowned Old Head Golf Links, sitting on a 220-acre headland jutting into the Atlantic, offering dramatic views and a challenging course.