Flow of International traffic into, through and in many cases remaining is the source of Kinsale’s magnificent Georgian architecture those that at many other nationalities expanding Kinsale’s 400 years. Quality of life is the most important in Kinsale, exemplified by their numerous awards in the Irish tourist board in Tidy Towns Competition.

A nationwide contest that inspires constant painting, cleaning and decorating to see if who is going to be the best kept for village in all of Ireland. Seldom can you past down a Kinsale street and not see someone out doing something to improve the already beautifully maintained appearance of this acquainted little sea side resort, an effort taken quite seriously by townsfolk.

Kinsale has a rich and colorful history. One of its most illustrates are famous visitors, Alexander Selkirk sets in 1703 when we’re turned out to be ill-fated journey. The ship found under the Pacific off the coast of Chile in South America.

Now admittedly, Selkirk’s name may not be immediately recognized until its associated with exploits of survival of the Ireland of Juan Fernandez and Daniel Defoe’s book, Robinson Crusoe.

In the 21st century, Kinsale’s protected harbor has become a play ground of sailors, offshore anglers and boaters from all around the world. The skills of Kinsale’s commercial fleet along with some imaginative restaurant tours and chefs have made Kinsale one of the hottest destinations in Ireland for great food. With a seafood like this, there’s no mystery I can say this considered the gourmet capital of Ireland.

There is continual discussion about which of Kinsales many qualities may have the most impact on the economy but you don’t need the detective skills of the Sherlock homes to get the picture that even if food has not what brings you here. Once here, its certainly an enjoyable element of this quite little sea site town.

The prosperity of Kinsale is indicative of the Celtic tigers wide displayed paw print on the whole of Irish life. More money, more vacation time, more restaurants, more chefs and more time to enjoy it all. Though seafood is the number culinary attraction in the village, there is a wide variety of cuisine to challenge the most discriminating palate.

One of the popular historic attractions near Kinsale is Charles Fort. A classic example of what is called the Star Fort. It was built in 1607 and its one of the most well preserved Forts of this design in Ireland. Built to guard the narrow entrance to Kinsale harbor, the fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary and three looking in land. Within its walls were all the accommodation requirements for the garison of the fort and their families.

Charles Fort was actively used until the 1921 by British forces, withdrew when the Irish Free State was formed. A year later, it was handed over to Irish forces with much of the Forts still intact. Though many wooden roofs and floors suffered from fire and neglect, its still in remarkable shape and one of the best examples of Star Fort architecture.

Imagine for a moment, just how much labor and effort is involved in building a structure of this with absolutely no mechanized tools. For its time, Charles Fort was a formidable war machine, which is impress of testimony to the military signs and architecture of the early 17th century. James Fort across the in net was built in 1602, five years prior to the beginning of Charles Fort. Though no restoration has been done here just short hike of the hill from beyond through walls that if they could talk would be an endless litany of remarkable 17th and 18th century stories.

Historic sites abound in Kinsale. St. Multose, one of the oldest church of Ireland edifices in the republic was build in 1190. Maintaining these relics of the past is without questioned a full time job. Desmond castle, overlooking the Kinsale business district is a 16th century customs house that was later turned into a French prison then a prison for captured Americans and Spaniards during the American War of Independence. This 500 year old edifice is now the home of Ireland’s first international museum of wine.

South of Kinsale village can sale ahead as a spectacular little peninsula connected by a narrow cliff sided strip of land just a few hundred feet across. Some of the earliest inhabitants of Ireland are attributed to the head but now, its claimed to fame.

This is a world class 18 hole golf course called appropriately enough, Old Head. Each green has a unique approach and view of the ocean with hook or sliced balls disappearing over 200 foot cliffs into the rock stream Atlantic beach. 7102 yards of beautifully manicured fairways and greens with some of the most spectacular golfing views that can be found anywhere in the world. Its dramatic location perched on high cliffs surrounded by water on three sides, along with scenic beauty and spectacular tureen are said to be reminiscing of Cypress Point and Pebble Beach, two of the most remarkable and challenging courses in the United States.

Though the old heads trade wins maybe an added challenge for golfers, there is sailors delight drawing yardmen from around the world to cruise the Irish coast. As the sun bits its retreat westward toward the Americans, the color changes by the second creating a spectacular canvas painted with the afternoon raise of an unfiltered sun.

Lucky, you’re the last force among the course to play out their game as the sun makes its way toward the 19 hole.