Coming to Kinsale and wondering what else to do with yourself?
Poised right at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way puts us in a beautiful scenic area with lots to see and do; long sandy beaches, verdant woodlands, great coffee stops and much more. Ballinspittle Village is a vibrant hub of interesting retail shops, incredible food, all your grocery needs, gas station, hairdresser, post office with banking facilities, plenty of local history and friendly locals.
Leaving Kinsale and heading for the Old Head you will take the scenic coast road passing the Speckled Door bar and eatery. There is a stony beach here where you can wander to the far end to Doneen Pier. From the Speckled Door, taking the left road you will likely make a stop at the Lusitania Memorial Site which also houses a small café run by Bean and Berry and an information booth. A short few metres along brings you to the impressive scenic cliffs with a majestic view across the sea on both sides of the Old Head Promontory and lighthouse with it’s ancient castle and hidden internationally famous Golf Links.
Follow the lane to reach the first of the two sandy beaches of Garrylucas and Garrettstown. Both have public toilets. Behind the one in Garrylucas is a pitch and putt course, green fees can be paid in the building. Garrylucas is the longest beach and you can find ice cream vans and the Coffee Box for delicious hot drinks. Most places offer at least one if not more plant milk options. Bring your own reusable cup for an eco friendly experience. At the end of Garrylucas beach you will find Stranded, delicious Mediterranean style tapas food, wines and delicious pizzas, plus the occasional outdoor music session.
Garrettstown is a haven for water sports. Surfing in particular is a popular pastime here along with windsurfing, kite surfing and board surfing. There are several options for taking classes including Pukana and GTown. Atlantic Offshore Adventures offer kayaking and other water sports. Get in touch to see what’s on offer while you are here.
Take the beach road and up to the left, you will find Bean and Berry at the top with plenty of outdoor seating, a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks. They also offer accommodation.
Back to the beach road and you pass Garrettstown House which now houses a caravan park… one of several along the beach front stretch. This was once a huge house with extensive grounds. You will also pass an old mill on private land.
Garrettstown Forest and Kilmore Woods offer some gentle walking with stunning seasonal displays of wildflowers. Young visitors can follow the Wanderley trails. You come into the village of Ballinspittle which has Irelands largest three ringed 6th century Ballycatten Fort with a history of Viking invasions and battles. Legend says, they came up the river through what is now the marsh, an important ecological area teaming with life.
Ballinspittle also has Ireland first National School built in 1833, now a private home but easily visible from the road. Cross the small bridge, sit by the river and come visit. Wild Restaurant offers an evening menu and Sunday lunch, delicious food using locally sourced produce, with a changing menu to suit most tastes. Hurleys Bar for your local pub scene. Divas for delicious hot drinks and baked goods, its worth waiting in that queue!
Gather is a plastic free, low packaging refill grocery with a difference. Packed with local produce, books, a whole sweety jar wall of spices, teas and much more. Centra is a well stocked supermarket with one of the best deli counters around. It also house the Post Office. Ena will take the best care of your hairdressing needs and Tides and Tales will take the best care of your dogs hairdressing needs. Ballinspittle also has a lovely playground for the small ones.
West Cork Collective is a collection of some 40 plus members selling locally crafted gifts and an art gallery. Meet the makers, artists and creators in the shop open 7 days.
Chalk and Easel run by Emily, has a fab shop with home wear and décor, natural clothing, books and much more.
Then we have Barryroe Coop, the Petrol Station as well as a convenience store, hardware store and lots of local friendly faces. There are also several places to recycle your cans and bottles.
Head out of Ballinspittle on the road back to Kinsale, you can stop and visit the Grotto.
