The Hidden Romance of Kinsale: Paul Mescal and Phoebe Bridgers
The pandemic may have halted offline dating, but it hasn’t stifled a rumored romance between Normal People star Paul Mescal and singer Phoebe Bridgers. The duo was spotted enjoying a breakfast date last week in the picturesque town of Kinsale in Mescal’s native Ireland.
Recently, Mescal, who earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the hit adaptation of Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel, traveled from his home in London to County Cork. There, he posed for a photo with the manager of Actons Hotel.
Actons Hotel expressed their delight on Facebook, stating, “We in Actons Hotel treat all of our guests as #normalpeople. It was an absolute pleasure to have you, Paul. Enjoy the rest of your time in Kinsale.”
The following day, the Lemon Leaf Cafe shared on Twitter that Mescal and Bridgers had visited for breakfast, praising them as “such amazing talented young people.”
In an interview with NME, Bridgers shared that they began following each other on Instagram after she watched Normal People. In May, they participated in a live-streamed interview for Wonderland magazine. Bridgers, 25, resides in Los Angeles, while Mescal, 24, originally hails from Maynooth, County Kildare, later moving to east London just before the lockdown.
Mescal and Bridgers have not officially confirmed their relationship. Although no photos from their joint visit have surfaced, Lemon Leaf Cafe owner Tracey Keoghan described the couple as “absolutely delightful.”
Discovering Kinsale: A Culinary and Scenic Haven
Kinsale, a beloved destination for both tourists and locals, offers a delightful array of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. Over the decades, it has transformed from a quaint fishing village into a culinary hotspot, brimming with gourmet bistros, vibrant cafes, and upscale restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Bastion. Seafood, naturally, reigns supreme in this picturesque area.
The scenic West Cork town is renowned for its charming scenery and narrow, winding streets, boasting rich personality and history. Kinsale was the site of the significant Battle of Kinsale in 1601 and thrived as a garrison town and important port for over 300 years. Its Georgian and Victorian architecture has been meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to explore the town and admire the slate-clad buildings along the waterfront.
Couples can stroll along sandy beaches featuring romantic hidden coves or enjoy a scenic walk on the Scilly Walk, which offers breathtaking views of the harbor. Along the way, numerous stops offer cozy pints and delectable meals.
The scenic hike culminates at the Charles Fort, a star-shaped bastion established in the 1670s to protect the harbor. This landmark remains one of the largest military installations in the nation, boasting well-preserved ruins worth exploring. History enthusiasts can follow a heritage trail or embark on a guided tour to delve into Kinsale’s rich past, including the tragic sinking of the Lusitania in 1915.
During the warmer seasons, Kinsale transforms into a vibrant festival hub, commencing with the Point to Point racing festival over the June bank holiday, extending through the Kinsale Arts Weekend, and culminating in the three-day Gourmet Festival in early October.
The nearest airport to Kinsale is located in Cork, with connecting flights available from Dublin Airport. Moreover, visitors can easily reach Kinsale from the capital via bus, train, or car.
