Location
Kinsale , Co. Cork
History
Located just a short distance from Kinsale in West Cork, Charles Fort was constructed in 1677 on the site of an earlier Norman fortification. It is a classic example of a star-shaped fort and has five bastions. The Devil's and the Charles', the two bastions facing the sea, were for defending the harbour and both have gun embrasures inside and on top of the walls. The North, Flagstaff and the Cockpit are the three landward bastions. All three of these had a brick sentry box at their outermost point, two of which still survive today.
 William Robinson, the architect of the Royal Hospital in Dublin is believed to have designed the Fort. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure designed by Paul Ivy in 1602. After the "Battle of the Boyne" in 1690, the Williamite forces arrived in Kinsale and attacked both forts.
In the last few centuries Charles Fort has undergone many changes and it continued to be garrisoned until 1922. There have been significant restoration works carried out in recent years. There are guided tours available from mid-April to the end of October when the Fort is open to the public.
Restricted access for people with disabilities due to uneven terrain.
Opening Times
October - May Daily (except Thursday) 11:00-17:00
June - September Daily 10:00-18:00
Mid March - October Daily 10:00-18:00
November - Mid March Daily 10:00-17:00
Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Visit Length
1hr
Admission
Adult EUR 3.50 Child EUR 1.25 Student EUR 1.25 Senior EUR 2.50 Family EUR 8.25 Group EUR 2.50
Information
Leaflets: Yes Guided Tours: Yes Audio Visual: Yes Exhibition: Yes
Facilities
Restaurant: Yes Car Park: Yes Coach Park: Yes Disabled Access: Yes
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