KINSALE

Irish Cionn tSaile market town and seaport of County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on Kinsale Harbour, at the estuary of the River Bandon. The present town dates mainly to the 18th century, but at an earlier period it belonged to the De Courcis family, who built the castle. It received a charter of incorporation from Edward III (reigned 132777). Kinsale was captured by the Spaniards and retaken by the English in 1601. William Penn, English Quaker and founder of Pennsylvania, and his father held office in the town. With the neighbouring villages of Scilly and Summer Cove, it is much frequented by visitors and hosts an annual regatta. It has a fishery pier and a harbour and is a sport-fishing centre. Manufactures include sheet steel, electrical components, and yacht equipment. Natural gas is also produced. Pop. (1986) 1,811.