The former striker popped in for a meal at the Blue Haven
14:40, 09 Mar 2026Updated 14:40, 09 Mar 2026
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Ruud van Nistelrooy in Kinsale(Image: Blue Haven Kinsale)
Legendary Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy posed for snaps with staff after dining at a restaurant in Kinsale this weekend. The Dutchman was in the Rebel County for his show at Cork Opera House on Sunday, where he shared stories from throughout his career.
Van Nistelrooy dined at the award-winning Blue Haven hotel, home to one of the town's best-known restaurants, which has proved a favourite with food critics. The establishment was crowned Ireland's best fine dining restaurant at the Virgin Media Gold Medal Awards in 2025, and the venue is a mainstay at hotel and restaurant award shows nationwide.
Following his meal, Van Nistelrooy took a few moments to pose for a photo with staff, which was later shared on social media. A spokesperson for the Blue Haven wrote: "A huge honour to welcome the incredible Ruud Van Nistelrooy to The Blue Haven today. One of the all-time greats and such a pleasure to have dine with us."
The Dutch striker played 219 games for The Red Devils from 2001 to 2006, bagging an impressive 150 goals. During his time at the club, he played alongside Cork men Roy Keane and Denis Irwin on a number of occasions, with Keano describing him as the best finisher he ever played with.
On Sunday, a packed-out Opera House got to enjoy an unscripted interview with Van Nistelrooy, who spoke at length about his glory days at Manchester United and his journey as a professional footballer. The 49-year-old has recently been appointed as the Netherlands' assistant manager ahead of the World Cup this summer.
It follows another round of celebrity snaps out in West Cork after TV show host Graham Norton stopped to pose with fans in Bandon. The presenter took time to chat with locals Adrian Linehan and Sam, who were bag-packing on the tills. Like Graham, Adrian is a well-known face around the West Cork town, doing important work as an addiction recovery coach.
For several years, Graham has enjoyed broadcasting his weekly UK national radio programme from C103's studios in Bandon, the town where the modern king of chat grew up.
Despite making it big in the UK, Graham never left West Cork behind. Like fellow Munster stars Cillian Murphy, Roy Keane and Jessie Buckley, Norton makes frequent visits back to the southwest corner of Ireland - often finding time to relax with a pint from time to time at his local pub in scenic Ahakista.
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