Desmond Castle

Kinsale


Kinsale's roots in the wine trade are on display at this early-16th-century fortified house that was occupied by the Spanish in 1601. Since then it has served as a customs house, a prison for French and American captives, and a workhouse during the Famine. There are lively exhibits detailing its history, and a small wine museum that tells the story of the Irish wine-trading families, including names such as Hennessy (of brandy fame), who fled to France because of British rule.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kinsale attractions

1. Courthouse & Regional Museum

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2. St Multose Church

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3. Charles Fort

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5. Stone Corridor

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6. University College Cork

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7. Lewis Glucksman Gallery

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8. St Fin Barre's Cathedral

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