Passing through Kinsale? Don’t hesitate to take a short hike along “The Kinsale Loop”, a 6-kilometre loop that will show you the region’s wild and historic beauty! The tour takes you along pretty, signposted paths between land and sea. Allow around an hour and a half for the tour!
Old Head, Kinsale – Malin Head – © carrigphotos
The tour starts outside the village of Kinsale, and brings you back to the same point at the end of your excursion. It will take you over the arm of land leading to the Old Head Castle. However, you won’t go all the way, as the area is then privatized by Old Head Golf Links, a golf club in Kinsale.
The most common starting point on the Kinsale Loop is the Speckled Door Bar & Restaurant, a great place to grab a drink and a bite to eat before (or after) your tour. A dedicated parking lot is at your disposal: it’s fairly easy to find spaces there, with the exception of the summer period. The establishment offers a warm welcome, the pints are well served, and the meals are delicious.
Alternatively, if you fancy a day on one of the most beautiful beaches near Kinsale, as well as a walk, you can start at Garylucas/ Garretstown Beach (which adds 1-2 km to the walk, but deviates from the original route).
The original loop is fairly easy to access and requires no extraordinary level of walking. You’ll be following established, fairly well-marked routes, with the exception of certain sections where you’ll find yourself in roadless zones. Don’t panic: the circuit is fairly easy, and it’s virtually impossible to get lost!
Generally speaking, the Kinsale loop takes you along 80-metre-high cliffs, with the Atlantic Ocean below. The road is lined with ancient hedges, dry stone walls, farms, villages and the occasional ruined stone building.
But you’ll also come across some exceptional historic sites!
Halfway along the circuit, you’ll see Old Head Castle (also known as Downmacpatrick). Its origins date back to the 3rd century. It was used to keep an eye out for approaching enemies.
Unfortunately, you can see that time has had a certain effect on the building. The castle is largely in ruins, with only one tower and a defensive wall remaining.
Today, the castle can only be seen from the outside. It marks the border with the Kinsale golf course… but is one of the must-see features of the Kinsale Loop.
Continuing on, you’ll come across the Lusitania Museum, dedicated to the history of the RMS Lusitania, a British liner sunk in 1915 by a German submarine, some 18 km off Kinsale Head.
Even if you don’t see the wreck, you can learn more about the tragic history of the liner, which claimed hundreds of innocent lives.
The museum is located halfway along the promenade and is easily recognizable by the old signal tower that rises into the sky.
The Old Head Lighthouse and its golf course – © Hugh O’Connor
The Kinsale lighthouse is not really open to visitors, and is difficult to access. Located at the very end of the promontory, access is blocked by the private golf course… and it’s not popular to sneak past!
Nevertheless, you can admire it from afar… Or have lunch in the golf restaurant (which is open to all, provided you eat there of course). If you decide to opt for this option, and go all the way to the lighthouse, you’ll be extending the circuit by around 2km… But believe us: it’s worth it!
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