Perhaps the best-known historical attraction in Kinsale, Charles Fort National Monument is on the road just beyond Summercove. It is open all year. Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use by the British Army until February 1922.
Open Daily10am with last admission at 5pm Mid-March to 31st October and 4pm 1st November to mid-March
Charles Fort in one of the finest surviving exampes of 17th Century star-shaped forts, and much of the construction which begun in 1698 remains. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort, interestingly the fort was commisioned with a fund of £200 !!
The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary (Devil's and Charles'), and three facing inland (to help keep the local Irish at bay!). Within the walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort's garrison, many of these buildings and ruins can bee seen today.
As one of the largest military installations in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of these are the Williamite War 1689-91 and the Civil War 1922-23. Charles Fort was declared a National Monument in 1973. Across the estuary is James Fort designed by Paul Ive in 1602.
Constructed in 1682 and garrisoned by the British Army until 1922, Charles Fort overlooks the Old Head of Kinsale and the mouth of the Bandon river. Today, this formidable structure provides a platform to enjoy the breath-taking views of Kinsale town and harbour. Close to 100,000 visitors a year enter via the drawbridge and step back in time to explore this ‘terror from the sea’. Commanding the seaward approach into Kinsale, Charles Fort fortified and secured Kinsale harbour from Britain’s European enemies. This remarkable piece of military engineering was designed by William Robinson during the reign of King Charles II. Associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history, Charles Fort was besieged in 1690 during the Williamite War and more recently in 1922 in the midst of the Irish Civil War.
Good walking shoes are recommended as visitors will want to explore all 12 acres within the walls and another 8 acres of outer defences. Access to the ‘Charles Fort Walk’ leading you to Preghane headland is via the eastern outer defences.
Charles Fort is a HSE registered location for Civil Wedding Ceremonies.