The charming coastal town has been praised as Ireland’s top pub destination, featuring historic venues dating back hundreds of years, with dating back to 1650 and another with a licence from 1690
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter
08:11, 11 Jan 2026Updated 08:21, 11 Jan 2026
The little seaside town boasts brightly coloured cafes and shops, and much more(Image: Kirk Fisher via Getty Images)
A charming coastal town in Ireland has been crowned the “best place” in the country for pubs. Found in County Cork, the spot is a mere 30 minute drive from Cork City and Cork International Airport.
The destination in question is, naturally, the tourist magnet that is Kinsale. This seaside town serves as the “gateway” to West Cork, while also acting as either a starting or finishing point for the incredibly popular driving route known as the Wild Atlantic Way. This epic journey offers travellers the chance to absorb breath-taking views of dramatic cliffs, quaint villages, and countless beaches. The route stretches approximately 2,600km (1,600 miles) from Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal all the way to Kinsale in County Cork.
Yet Kinsale deserves exploration in its own right. Visitors often fall under the spell of its spectacular waterfront location and harbour, complete with abundant entertainment and cultural offerings.
Kinsale is a vibrantly coloured town celebrated for its character, charm and fascinating heritage. Both locals and holidaymakers can savour a picturesque walk, discovering details such as rainbow-hued buildings and shopfronts, while its medieval heritage remains unmistakably visible.
There’s a wealth of pubs – many of which showcase tributes to their historical backgrounds – alongside a diverse mix of cafés and restaurants to choose from as well.
Art enthusiasts will find themselves spoilt for choice by the abundance of galleries, boutiques, design stores, exhibitions and much more.
Irish travel and food enthusiast Cassie Stokes recently took to TikTok to sing the praises of Kinsale. In her video, she takes viewers on a virtual tour of some of the oldest and most beloved pubs in the area.
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Kicking off the clip, she began: “The best town for pubs in Ireland – and it also has some of the oldest pubs in the whole country and it’s one of my favourite places ever. This is Kinsale.”
Cassie then delved into the rich history and unique charm of the local pubs. First up was The Spaniard, she said: “Let’s start with The Spaniard, one of the oldest pubs in Ireland. This pub was built on the foundations of an old castle in and around 1650. It’s so cosy inside, I absolutely love the stools and the chairs.”
After praising The Spaniard’s culinary offerings, she moved on to The Bulman, a pub perched on the outskirts of Kinsale, boasting stunning views across the harbour and towards the imposing Charles Fort.
Cassie said: “This pub is actually the first pub on the Wild Atlantic Way – they also do great food.”
Next up was The Tap Tavern, which Cassie hailed as “one of the most authentic Irish pubs in the whole country”, and added: “You just have to step in those doors and that’s the feel of an Irish pub.”
Main Street, the central road through the historic old town district of the seaside village of Kinsale, known for its brightly painted shops(Image: Kirk Fisher via Getty Images)
Then, she introduced Sam’s Bar, a spot recommended by her followers as one of their favourite haunts in Kinsale. Though it was her first visit to the venue, Cassie was still impressed by the atmosphere and décor, deeming it a “great recommendation” from her viewers.
The content creator then ventured to The Grey Hound, among Ireland’s most ancient pubs, boasting centuries of heritage.
Cassie revealed: “One of my favourite spots. One of the oldest pubs in Kinsale, the licence dates back to 1690, the building is even older than that. One of the best pubs, really cosy inside.”
She drew attention to the establishment’s charming features, including its tilted bar and intimate alcoves. The Market Bar, which links to The Grey Hound, also earned recognition for its generous outdoor seating arrangements.
Dalton’s Bar received the final spotlight; another recommendation from Cassie’s followers. It draws crowds eager for live musical performances.