Hi there:

My husband and I are hoping to spend a week in either Kinsale or Clonakilty in August and use it as our base..we won't be travelling too far afield. Which do you think would be better for a week? We are interested in good food and restaurants/pubs. Is Kinsale very "touristy"? I am nervous that Clonakilty might be a bit "too small" for a week. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I only know Kinsale and it is way too touristy. Conakilty sounds as if is a nice small town and you'd might have a better chance of meeting locals. Just my two cents worth. Good luck.

Kinsale has passed its sell by date. I was in Clonakilty in early September and its really come in to its own over the last few years. I had a lunch here which I am still dreaming about: http://gleesons.ie/ Also Clonakilty is within driving distance to Kinsale if there is somewhere you want to eat in some night, and it is more practical as a centre to explore the region. (make sure to visit Glandore/ Union Hall and Guggan Barra (sp?) for some lovely scenery.

Hi accomresearch

I'm Irish, and I agree with the previous posters, Kinsale, is well past its sell by date, I would choose Clonakilty over it any day, its a lovely quaint place.

I didn't go to Clonakilty but now I wish I had!! I did go to Kinsale and I though it was ok. Hard to get your bearings, though. I thought it was the hardest town to navigate of those I went to (Doolin, Dingle, Kenmare, Kinsale, Kilkenny, Slane). It was a nice town to visit but I'd probably go for Clonakilty. It might even be cheaper if it's smaller. There was a very good Thai restaurant, though, and the Kinsale brewery was excellent. I would definitely say you can spend a day there, take the walking tour, visit the museum and Charles Fort. Have fun!

Clonakilty is a fun town and in August would probably be a better choice. Kinsale is certainly popular and at that time of year would be mobbed. As was pointed out, you can easily make it to Kinsale from Clonakilty for an evening out if you so desire. There is much to see from Clonankilty and there are a couple a great trad pubs in town.

It's hard for me to imagine a town being too small for a week since I will be spending a week in Castletownshend in early March. That should be VERY quiet which sounds perfect to me. BTW, thanks for reminding me about the Kinsale Brewery chemgirl. I must go there.

Bill

Clonkilty betetr than Kinsale
http://www.cork-guide.ie/clonakilty/clonakilty.htm

We rented a self-catering place in Clonakilty a couple of years ago and it was a great choice. We didn't find the town 'too small' at all. There were some good restaurants, some great pubs, and it's a wonderful base for day-tripping. It's less tourist-oriented than Kinsale and we liked that.

Kinsale will be mobbed in August. You would find Clonakilty a lot quieter in August , but with plenty of music at night in the pubs.
Check out http://www.sandycovebeach.com for self catering holiday homes outside Clonakilty in West Cork