Best Museums in Kinsale

"Although only a 30-minute walk from the city centre, the gaol is enveloped in tranquil and generous grounds. The austere stone structure first opened in 1824 and operated as a prison for 100 years. Countess Markievicz – the first woman elected to the British Parliament, although she did not take her seat – was incarcerated here in 1919 during the Irish War of Independence."

"the craic of cork: top 10 things to do in cork, ireland | experience 19th-century prison life at cork city gaol. experience 19th-century prison life at cork city gaol. Great sightseeing trip in Cork City."

"The Blackrock Castle Observatory may be old (the building dates back to 1582) but it’s always had an eye on the horizon. Originally, the watchtower was built to defend Cork from pirates, the Spanish, and even (in the case of one English Lord) Corkonians themselves. With walls thick enough to withstand cannon fire, it presented a formidable defense to marauders."

"Blackrock Castle Observatory is a 16th century castle located about 2km from the heart of Cork City on the banks of the river Lee. The present-day castle is actually the third structure to stand on this site. In 1582 the townspeople of Cork built a watchtower here to guard the harbour from pirates and"

"The Crawford Art Gallery is housed in Cork’s former Custom House – an imposing red-brick structure erected in 1724 and a welcome juxtaposition to the modern glass façade of Cork Opera House next door. The building has been augmented many times since, with the most recent extension in 2000 – designed by Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat – bringing an additional exhibition wing for modern art. The impressive permanent collection gives a visual insight into themes that trace the city’s biography, from the life of a ‘merchant prince’ in 18th-century Cork to famine and emigration."

"The Crawford Art Gallery, just beside the Opera House, houses a wide array of art, from classical paintings to video installations, presented in beautiful surroundings. Fresh visiting exhibits rotate frequently, and the permanent collection is anchored by a selection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts. The on-site café, surrounded by a selection of the gallery’s artworks, is an ideal spot for recharging with a light lunch or tea and cake on vintage china."

"Big Little Lies may have given model train lovers a bad name, but we adore the Model Railway Village in the town of Clonakilty. About an hour from Cork proper, this unique site features a handsome, handmade scale model of all the adorable villages along the old West Cork Railway line (closed in 1961). Watching the trains traverse a miniature Cork County is mesmerizing, and all the building details are really fantastic."

"This is the ideal fun thing to do in Ireland with kids if your children are going through a trains and cars obsession. Not only can they learn all about the history of the different railways in Cork, but they can also physically walk through models of all the small towns linked by the railways. Oh, and there’s even a mini-train that they can take a ride on!"

"Another UCC building, the sleek Lewis Glucksman Gallery, designed by Irish architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, is one of Cork’s newest buildings and one of the most widely praised, having earned many accolades since being added to the campus in 2004. As well as being named Ireland’s Best Public Building in 2005, its architecture also won a UK Civic Trust award, a RIBA award and was shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize. The wood-covered gallery building was designed to fit seamlessly in with its sylvan surroundings."

"Lewis Glucksman Gallery|© Lewis Glucksman Gallery/WikiCommons. Nestled at the edge of the University College Cork campus, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery is a recent addition to Cork’s gallery scene. Opened in 2004, the gallery is named after its benefactor, Dr Lewis Glucksman."

"The howl of the storm almost knocks you off-balance, there's a bit of fake vomit on the deck, and the people in the pictures all look pretty miserable – that's just one room at Cobh Heritage Centre."

"Many of the people who left Ireland on immigrant ships for the New World departed from Cobh, which was formerly known as Queenstown."

"Desmond Castle is an impressive and historic tower house that is located in the County Cork town of Kinsale and has a fantastic heritage. It was originally constructed in around the year 1500 after it was built as the Customs House for Kinsale; it continued this function until the year 1641 before it was converted into a naval prison. Throughout the following centuries, it changed its function again, ranging from a town gaol to a workhouse."

"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..."

"Last but not least we have Tir na Si farm which is open for families on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm and on Saturdays for birthday parties and booked events. You can follow the nature trail, meet the friendly farm animals, visit the vegetable garden or find the fairies, there really is so much to see and do. You can also take a spin on the Farm Express Train or maybe a trip on the horse and cart followed by a game of mini golf."

"They provide some of Ireland’s best outdoor family recreation opportunities from walking and hiking to mountain biking and from family picnics to fishing and nature watching"

"Trabolgan in East Cork is the ultimate family holiday destination with quality family accomodation and a host of indoor and outdoor activities and family entertainment all on site."

"When life gets a bit overwhelming, you can head over to the 0 gravity float spa in Cork. This spa is rated number 1 of the best spas in cork and offers clients an opportunity to switch off from the hustle and bustle of life and the near constant stimulation we are burdened with. This spa promises a way to deal with depression, pain and anxiety through their floatation tanks."

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