Kinsale was an important port in the 16th century with trading links to Britain, France and further afield. Wine, Salt, metals and luxury goods were some of the main imports while ships leaving the harbour usually carried hides, cloth, wood and fish. In 1569 Kinsale was one of 16 designated wine ports in Ireland. Not a surprise then that in 1997, the International Museum of Wine was opened in Kinsale.
The term ‘Wild Geese’ was the name given to those many thousands of families who migrated from Ireland during the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries because of religious persecutions and violation of treaties and because of prohibitive commercial legislation. Many of the families entered the Wine Trade, nowadays referred to as ‘The Irish Winegeese’, and they can be found all over the world.
Nowadays Kinsale is known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland and in particular this coveted title is attributed to the grouping of restaurants known as the 'Good Food Circle'. But what is food without drink and conveniently the 16th century Desmond Castle in the town has now been converted to the International Museum of Wine, from whence you can learn all about the 'Wine Geese'. For afters, you can even sample the microbrews from the Kinsale Brewing Company!