Kinsale: Meadery Tour & Tasting with Honey Sampling

Summary

Stories, honey scents, and mead tastings in Kinsale’s heart

You’ll taste raw honeys straight from Ireland’s fields, hear myths inside Kinsale’s working meadery, and sample award-winning meads with local food pairings—all led by passionate hosts who make you feel like part of their story. Expect laughter, unexpected flavors, and a real sense of place lingering long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what mead actually tastes like—like, the real stuff? I didn’t know either until we ducked into Kinsale Mead Co., right off the harbor. The place smells faintly sweet, almost floral, even before you get to the barrels. Kate greeted us with a kind of easy warmth (she runs it with Denis), and I realized pretty quickly this wasn’t just about sipping drinks. She started with these old Irish tales—kings, bees, even ancient laws about honey—and honestly, I got more caught up than I expected.

We tried three raw honeys first. One was so dark and earthy it reminded me of wet moss after rain; another tasted almost like wildflowers. Denis let us dip spoons right in—no fuss. There was this bit where he explained how bees decide who gets to stay in the hive (it sounded way more democratic than some workplaces I’ve been in). The whole time you could hear distant gulls outside and the low hum from their bottling room. It felt like the town itself was leaning in to listen.

The actual mead tasting happened at this long oak bar that looked older than any pub back home. We sampled their award-winning meads—some light and crisp, one aged in whiskey barrels that had a sharpness I didn’t expect but kind of loved. Kate paired one with local cheese and said something about “bee-to-bottle.” I probably butchered my attempt at pronouncing the Irish word for honey; she laughed anyway. By then I’d stopped worrying about getting every detail right—it was just good company and new flavors.

I still think about that first sip—the way it lingered, slightly tangy but soft around the edges. Maybe it’s just being in Kinsale on a drizzly afternoon, or maybe there’s something about sharing stories over drinks people have been making here for centuries. Either way, if you’re ever curious about mead (or just want an hour away from the usual), this is worth a detour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mead history and tasting experience

• Learn mead history and myths
• Taste three unique raw honeys
• Discover bee laws and biodiversity
• Explore mead making process
• Sample award-winning meads and cocktails
• Visit Kinsale town and harbour

Top questions

How long does the Kinsale Mead tour last?

The tour lasts about one hour from start to finish.

Is there parking available at Kinsale Mead Co.?

Yes, there is free car parking next to the meadery for visitors.

Are children or infants allowed on the tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is the Kinsale Meadery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible including transportation options.

What do you taste during the tour?

You’ll sample three unique raw honeys and enjoy a guided tasting of several award-winning meads and cocktails.

Does the tour include food pairings?

The guided tasting includes suggested food pairings with local products during your visit.

Who leads the tours at Kinsale Mead Co.?

Tours are led by passionate hosts—often Kate or Denis Dempsey themselves—who run the family business.

Is service animal access allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the facility.

What’s included

Your visit includes free car parking right next to Kinsale Mead Co., a guided tour through their working meadery with stories from your local hosts, hands-on honey tasting straight from their selection of raw Irish honeys, plus a full guided tasting of their award-winning meads (and cocktails) in the oak bar room before you head back out into town.