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All 21 Kinsale Attractions »

Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine

Cork St., Kinsale, Ireland
021 477 4855
Ranked #4 of 7 attractions in Kinsale
4.0 of 5 stars 11 Reviews
Type: Castles, Museums
Activities: Driving, City walk sightseeing
Traveler Description: Found on Cork Street in Kinsale, Desmond Castle was built in the 1500's as a customs house by the Earl of Desmond.  It has an interesting history... more »
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11 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    4
    4
    2
    1
    0
Date Rating
Northeast USA
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

This small castle contains an interesting history of European wines. Admission is covered under the Heritage card. Good location. More

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Chester, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2012

This castle was only 3 Euros admission and to be honest that was all it was worth! Only a couple of rooms inside and not much to look at. The redeeming fact was the guide, he was very informative and obviously knew his stuff. The prison information was great, but not a lot else there. More

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Kuwait City, Kuwait
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2012

This is a typical tower castle/residence. Used extensively as a jail. Now houses relics of those times plus a wine museum. More

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See 4 more reviews by Susan H for Kinsale
Dublin, Ireland
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 15, 2012

While quite a small exhibition it was very interesting and although the tour was not guided the guide at reception gave us a very detailed overview of the place before we walked around. More

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See 4 more reviews by Claire L for Kinsale
Sligo, Ireland
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2012

This gives a great insite into an otherwise undiscovered part of Ireland's heritage. Tony is a great tour guide and very knowledgeable. More

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See 7 more reviews by Jannie77 for Kinsale
Wexford, Ireland
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 5, 2012

Really interesting little museum, loved finding out about all the Irish links to some of the top wine producers in the world. The staff are very helpful and informative, definitely recommend a visit. More

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See 6 more reviews by hubble for Kinsale
Cork, Ireland
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 25, 2011

Went there one morning! Took lots of pictures! Impressive place to visit!!! More

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See 4 more reviews by sunshine060606 for Kinsale
Houston, Texas
Top Contributor
255 reviews 255 reviews
Reviews in 78 cities Reviews in 78 cities
67 helpful votes 67 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 19, 2011

When walking around Kinsale you may pass by accident the Desmond Castle and if you do go in and enjoy the short talk on history of the castle/jail. Then take the short tour and you will see how life during that time period. More

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See 3 more reviews by CDM49 for Kinsale
Ireland
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 16, 2011
2
people found this review helpful

If any of you are interested in the links between Irish people and the wine trade you must visit the exhibition here. I was amazed at the number of Irish people who set up wine trade abroad but who also emigrated and set up or bought vineyards abroad also. Really worth a visit. More

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Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2011

On the signboard outside the Desmond castle there is a photograph ( inevitably of poor quality ) showing how the castle looked in the year 1700. This is probably the oldest photograph in the world. More

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