Is Kinsale expensive to visit?
Kinsale is a popular seaside town that attracts many visitors who have various travel styles and spending habits. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
Although Kinsale can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $78 (€71) per day, mid-range travelers spend $178 (€162) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $339 (€310) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kinsale.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Kinsale is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hondarribia or Lastres.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kinsale Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kinsale?
The average Kinsale trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kinsale travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kinsale cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Kinsale. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $78 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Kinsale, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A trip to Kinsale wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $178 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Kinsale. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Actons Hotel is a great choice for kids, and The White Lady Hotel is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Kinsale hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $339. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the seaside town means you'll need a more luxurious budget.
Accommodation Budget in Kinsale
In Kinsale, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $208 and peak summer season rising to an average of $388. Prices typically range from $144 to $655, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kinsale for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $160 (€147). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $80 (€74) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kinsale? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kinsale include:
- Trident Hotel starting at $238
- Actons Hotel starting at $232
- The Blue Haven Hotel starting at $246
If you avoid summer and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Being a popular tourist destination, Kinsale tends to fill up quickly, especially since it's on the smaller side. For a trip during summer, make sure you make your reservations well in advance.
The seaside town's captivating old town is a key attraction for visitors. Hotels in this area may be expensive, but they often have a lot of charm and provide easy access to everything.
Transportation Budget in Kinsale
Kinsale lacks an efficient public transit system. The town has buses that pass through.
Kinsale has walkable areas that can facilitate your exploration of various attractions. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $19 (€17) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kinsale. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kinsale is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
€17
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
How much does it cost to go to Kinsale? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Kinsale will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Kinsale
Don't miss the chance to experience the world-class cuisine in Kinsale. Spend some time at local dining spots to taste their renowned dishes. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Kinsale can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kinsale is $86 (€79) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$86
€79
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kinsale is around $86 (€79) per person, with previous travelers spending from $38 to $165. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kinsale are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $26
- Lunch: $13 to $35
- Dinner: $26 to $60
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
There are restaurants for every price range in Kinsale. Definitely don't pass up the opportunity to try the area's seafood however, which the town is most famous for. If you're headed to a nicer restaurant, consider making reservations, particularly if you're in town during the peak season and want to eat at a reasonable time. Some recommended restaurants include Jim Edward's Steak & Seafood, Fishy Fishy Cafe, and The Little Skillet.
If you want to grab a beer, then there are plenty of pubs near the center of town. Popular ones include An Seanachai on Main Street, the Tap Tavern, Bulman Bar, and Spaniard Inn.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Making a picnic is a fantastic way to save money and enjoy the views. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up fresh goodies, and find a charming park or scenic area to eat your meal.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kinsale
Tourists are naturally attracted to Kinsale due to its food, historical sights, museums and attractions, and hiking.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kinsale typically cost an average of $5.45 (€5.00) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$5.45
€5.00
There are a variety of historic sights around Kinsale. Charles Fort was constructed in the 17th century in the shape of a star. It is well preserved and there are 45 minute tours that leave every hour. It is located a half mile south of the town. James Fort is an older and less maintained fort on Pier Road. It is two miles south of town. Desmond Castle, built in the 1500's by the Earl of Desmond, is a well-preserved tower house. Also swing into the Kinsale Regional Museum, which is small but offers a fascinating look at maritime history in the area.
If you've seen all the sights around town, then consider taking a sailing trip. This is a popular past time in this area. It's also fun to go whale and dolphin watching which can be a very memorable experience. It's possible to go out on either full or half day trips. Another way to get an interesting take on Kinsale history is to take the ghost tour, which incorporates the area's history with a little bit of fun. There is also a historic tour of Old Kinsale that leaves every day at 11:15 from the tourist office. The tourist information office is found near the main bus stop at the head of the harbor. There you can also pick up free maps and brochures and have any questions that you might have answered.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town welcomes many guests each year. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.
A nice way to explore destinations in Kinsale is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours for $27 details
- Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh for $21 details
- Cobh Evening Ghost Tour for $42 details
Kinsale, Ireland
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.