Scilly Walk Kinsale: Map + Trail Guide

The Scilly Walk in Kinsale treats you to magnificent harbour views, with two options to choose from: a 4.1km looped trail or a slightly shorter 3.9km linear route.

One of the more popular things to in Kinsale (especially when the sun’s shining!), it starts from the town and follows a trail to Charles fort.

Below, you’ll find a map of the Scilly Walk along with where to stop for a bite (or pint) along the way!

The Scilly Walk in Kinsale

The Scilly Walk in Kinsale is a nice and straightforward trail, but there are a handful of need-to-knows that’ll make your ramble that bit more enjoyable.

1. How long it takes

The looped trail takes around 1.5 hours in total while the linear trail takes the guts of 1 hour. However, you’ll want to allow some more time for taking it slow when the views start to emerge. Allow even longer if you plan on extending the trail to Charles Fort.

2. Where it starts

You’ll want to head for The Spaniard (one of the best pubs in Kinsale) and Man Friday. Both are in the town, and its from here that the trail officially starts.

3. Looped vs linear

The Scilly walks is fairly well signposted but there comes a point where you need to decide if you want to do the looped walk or a liner-style-there-and-back-trail. There’s pros and cons to the loop, as you’ll see below.

Scilly Walk map and trail overview

The map above will give you a good sense of the lay-of-the-land. As you can see, there are a couple of ways you can tackle this trail.

The first is the liner trail (the views are good, but not as good as the loop) while the second is the looped trail, which takes in the views from the High Road.

The first part is the same for both trails

Both trails begin in Kinsale Town. Point your nose in the direction of the Spaniard Pub. You’ll know you’ve reached it when you see its bright yellow exterior come into view.

From here, take the Lower Road (it’ll be on your right). Follow the road downhill and you’ll see signs for the walk, which runs along the water’s edge, offering great views of the town, as well as both James and Charles forts.

Keep going until you reach the steps on your left. Climb them and you’ll reach the High Road. It’s from here that you need to decide between the following options:

Option 1: The loop

The looped Scilly Walk stretches 4.1km and takes around 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace. At the top of the steps, turn left and follow the High Road as it winds back toward town.

From this elevated route, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the harbour and colourful townscape below. A real treat on a clear day.

Please take care on the High Road: There is no path and the road is frequented by cars driven by both locals and tourists!

Option 2: The linear walk (3.9km 1 hour)

The linear trail stops at the base of the steps and returns back the way you came. This is a 3.9km route that takes around 1 hour to complete in total.

While you’ll still be treated to harbour views, they aren’t as impressive as those from the High Road.

The Charles Fort/Bulman add-on

I’d strongly recommend extending the Scilly Walk to take in Charles Fort, as it’s only a 10-minute stroll from the top of the steps.

On your return journey, you’ll have the opportunity to treat yourself to a pit-stop-pint or bite-to-eat in the brilliant Bulman Bar before making your way back to town.

Things to do after

When you finish up the Scilly Walk, you can either chill for the day or spend some time soaking up some more of the area.

Below, you’ll find some things to see and do after you’ve conquered the Scilly Walk. 

1. Food

All that walking surely worked up an appetite, so why not treat yourself and grab a slap-up meal at one of many great restaurants in Kinsale. Along the Scilly Walk you’re spoiled for choice, with The Bulman and Man Friday offering up gourmet dishes, while the Spaniard dishes up high quality pub grub.

2. Pubs

Treat yourself to a post-stroll sip in one of Kinsale’s many mighty pubs. If you’re doing the Scilly Walk, the Bulman is the handiest option as you’ll stroll past it.

3. More Kinsale walks

There’s plenty of other things to do in Kinsale, from a visit to Charles Fort to a stroll along Kinsale Beach, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.  There’s also the Old Head of Kinsale Loop and there’s plenty of beaches near Kinsale if you fancy getting your toes wet!