a town of the county of Cork in Ireland, situated at the mouth of the river Ban, or Bandon, in W. Long. 8° 20'. N. Lat. 51° 32'. It is reckoned the third town in the kingdom, and inferior only to Cork in point of trade. Vast quantities of provisions are shipped off from hence to Flanders, Holland, France, and the West Indies. The port indeed is barred, but ships of any burden may get over the bar at high water. On a point of land, called the old head of Kinsale, is a light-house to guide ships in the night to the mouth of the river. The town is neat, well built, wealthy, and extremely well fortified with lines and outworks. About two miles below the town are two strong forts, one on each side the river, which secure it against all attempts by sea. Kinsale gives the title of baron to the very ancient family of Courcy.