Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine
Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine, Kinsale: Address, Phone Number, Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine Reviews: 3.5/5
Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine
Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine
3.5
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Tours and Tickets
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
50 within 5 kms
Bastion
455
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • International • European
The Supper Club
304
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Seafood • European
CRU Winebar & Bistro
161
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • European • Wine Bar
High Tide Kinsale
212
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Seafood • International
Leona's on Nine Market Street
233
0.1 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • European • Contemporary
Max's
767
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Seafood • European
Finns' Farmcut
795
0.2 km€€€€ • Seafood • European • Contemporary
Bruno's
369
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • Pizza • European
Cosy Cafe
201
0.1 km€ • Irish • Cafe • European
The White House
844
0.1 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Seafood • European
Attractions
17 within 5 kms
St Multose Church
177
0.2 kmReligious Sites
Kinsale Regional Museum
89
0.1 kmHistory Museums
Irish Veterans Museum
26
0.1 kmMilitary Museums
The Boathouse Gallery
11
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Kinsale Tourist Office
115
0.3 kmVisitor Centres
Kinsale Mead Co
112
0.5 kmDistilleries
The Gallery Kinsale
9
0.3 kmArt Galleries
Ballinspittle
16
0.3 kmReligious Sites
Rohan Reilly Photography
10
0.4 kmArt Galleries
Blacks Brewery
110
0.7 kmBreweries
Contribute
3.5
189 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
71
Average
54
Poor
17
Terrible
7
Graham M
8 contributions
Not Open
Aug 2019
This venue looked very closed and we couldn't see any sign of when it was open. Disappointing as it would have been quite interesting.
Written 18 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jessica L
Champlin, MN217 contributions
Unclear website, missing signage, disappointing
Jul 2019 • Friends
We saw signs for the building. We found the building. We couldn't find a main door, and saw no signs saying it was closed, or under construction, or anything. The website said it had been under construction but had been due to be re-opened. Obviously, it wasn't. Just disappointing that we wasted vacation time trying to figure it out.
Written 2 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Celeste P
9 contributions
Not open EVER
Jul 2019 • Couples
I moved to Kinsale 2 years ago and this has never been open. Maybe it was a museum once but it's not open. Thd building is cute though.
Written 19 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
eagertraveller123
UK1,115 contributions
Closed!
Sep 2018 • Family
Trip to Kinsale was a bit of a write off! The tourist information office was shut, at 10am! This caste is closed all summer. It would have been nice to know!
Written 2 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
POD521
Albury, Australia575 contributions
Nice little urban castle
Apr 2018 • Couples
While the castle wasn't open when we visited the building itself is a nice little urban castle which appears to be in pretty good condition. I like castles so I liked Desmond Castle and thought it was worth the visit.
Written 28 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brian C
Birmingham79 contributions
Interesting discussion on the wine trade in Kinsale
Oct 2017 • Family
The castle has an interesting and at times tragic history. On the second floor they have added a section on the history of wine growing, and trading, that is a good add on to the castle itself. This is a good one hour diversion from touring Kinsale.
Written 29 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ganguy
Kingston, Canada34 contributions
Surprising hidden attraction
Sep 2017 • Couples
We found this old place after wandering around Kinsale, and were delighted. We were the only visitors at the time and the attendant was very knowledgeable and helpful. The building was at one time a customs house, a fort, a dungeon/prison and a workhouse for the poor. ir was interesting to see the historical exhibits, but also the wine museum on one floor.
Written 29 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rockyl
Dublin, Ireland435 contributions
Unique castle in Kinsale
Aug 2017 • Family
I have visited Kinsale for so many years and did not know about this lovely little Castle which is an essential place to visit to take in the atomosphere and understand the history of Kinsale. Operated by the Irish OPW there is a small fee but this includes a guided tour.
Written 20 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Debra C
Kissimmee, FL840 contributions
Ireland & wine...who knew
Sep 2017 • Couples
We walked in from the main town car park which took less than 10 minutes. I expected the structure to be towering alone but was in the center of a quaint building lined street. The entry is 5€ per adult & includes a brief history given by funny & enthusiastic staff. The tour is then self guided. The castle is small but interesting history none the less. The castle was built by the Earl of Desmond in the 1500's as a Customs house but also served as a prison, ordnance store during the Battle of Kinsale & Great Famine workhouse. Now it is used as a small wine museum which details Ireland's ties to wine & other countries. Detailed plaques of information & some antique wine pieces. Very interesting to any wine lover. Once you hear the brief history of the castle you will understand why this castle logically became a wine museum.
When we arrived in Kinsale we parked in the first car park, the main town car park on main street next to all the shops & restaurants. You pay at the machine & display in the car. No more than 2 hours allowed. There are 3 free car parks in town as well.
When we arrived in Kinsale we parked in the first car park, the main town car park on main street next to all the shops & restaurants. You pay at the machine & display in the car. No more than 2 hours allowed. There are 3 free car parks in town as well.
Written 15 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mary Ann S
Martinez, CA108 contributions
A Little Unknown Fact of History and the Wine Connection
Sep 2017 • Couples
A definite must see when in Kinsale, Ireland. The story about the wine and the Irish influence is well worth the tour through the castle. I don't want to reveal too much, then you would not want to go. I think even the native Irish people are not aware of the influence the Irish has had on the wine trade!
Written 14 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine
- Hotels near Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine:
- (0.04 km) Sea Gull House
- (0.05 km) Desmond House Kinsale
- (0.06 km) San Antonio
- (0.06 km) The Old Presbytery
- (0.10 km) Cloisters Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine:
- (0.13 km) Leona's on Nine Market Street
- (0.17 km) Bastion
- (0.17 km) The Supper Club
- (0.13 km) Cosy Cafe
- (0.12 km) The White House