Charles Fort
A star-shaped military fortress that has stood firm for centuries
Charles Fort
A star-shaped military fortress that has stood firm for centuries
Limited Access
Open 11:00 - 16:30, Last Admission 16:00.
Exterior only open
Exhibition Centres closed.
One way system in operation.
Free admission
The Tea Rooms and Toilets are currently closed
Admission
Admission is free until 2021.
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
Charles Fort
As one of the country’s largest military installations, Charles Fort has been part of some of the most momentous events of Irish history. During the Williamite Wars, for example, it withstood a 13-day siege before it fell. Later, in the Civil War of the early 1920s, anti-Treaty forces on the retreat burned it out.
Charles Fort is a massive star-shaped structure of the late seventeenth century, well preserved despite its history. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, is credited with designing it. Its dimensions are awe-inspiring – some of the outer defences are 16 metres high.
The view from the ramparts looking out over Kinsale Harbour is spectacular.
Gallery
Opening Times
Open all year
Last admission: 1 hour before closing
Average Length of Visit: 1 Hour
Seasonal Opening Times
- Mid March - October
10:00 – 18:00
- November – Mid March
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Contact
Summer Cove
Kinsale
Co. Cork
P17 AY18
021 477 2263
charlesfort@opw.ie
Facilities
- Baby Changing
- Brochure
- Cafe
- Car park
- Coach parking
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Toilets
- Wedding Venue
- Wheelchair Accessible
Restrictions
- Assistance dogs only
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Hold hand rail
- No Drones
- Slippery Surfaces
- Stay back from edge
- Uneven Surfaces
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Charles Fort
Desmond Castle Kinsale
A building at the core of Kinsale’s history
Approx. 2.1 km from Charles Fort
Fota Arboretum and Gardens
Explore an island oasis of rare and exotic flora
Approx. 25.6 km from Charles Fort
Barryscourt Castle
A fine Irish tower house bearing the scars of battle
Approx. 28.4 km from Charles Fort
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Charles Fort. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Charles Fort.
Download the Social Guide