A picturesque town inCounty Cork known for its charming streets, colourful houses and harbour views is also famous as Ireland’s ‘gourmet food capital’ which showcases the best of local and international cuisine.

Kinsale is a historic port and fishing town on the southern coast of Ireland, located at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way and rich in history including as the site of the pivotal 1601 Battle of Kinsale.

But then, in the 1970s, something happened to the fairytale town that well and truly established it as a food destination that would put Irish cuisinesquarely on the map.

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Kinsale’s coastal location already meant that seafood was a staple of its food offering and oysters, mussels, lobster and crab are still mainstays on local menus.

Then, in 1976, the Kinsale Good Food Circle was founded and they came up with the idea of holding a Gourmet Festival in Autumn.

Restaurants decided to work together to improve their individual standards and visits by anonymous inspectors were set up who produced detailed critiques which were circulated to members concerned and discussed at group meetings.

Today, with the Good Food Circle’s food festival still going as one of the longest surviving food festivals, Kinsale’s food scene is a vibrant mix of traditional and modern cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.

The town is now home to over 60 restaurants and cafes, ranging from fine dining, to casual cafes and pubs – with one Michelin starred restaurant.

As well an unparalleled food scene, Kinsale is steeped in a 1,000-year history with Charles Fort and James Fort must-see attractions, has a beautiful beach, colourful streets, dramatic views and stacks of attractions.

It's also home to many independent boutiques that bring together a curated selection of global brans as we as local and Irish designs.

By combining a strong culinary identity with its picturesque and colourful setting, Kinsale had solidified its reputation as Ireland’s premier gourmet destination and a wonderful place to visit.