James Fort

A location built to defend Kinsale Harbour from attack

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James Fort

South of Kinsale on the Castlepark peninsula lies James Fort. This 17^th century bastioned fort replaced an earlier tower and was much strengthened by the Spanish in 1601. In February 1602 work commenced on a Paul Ives pentagonal fort which was completed in 1604, named in honour of James I of England. James Fort was repaired in 1611, captured by Cromwellian supporters in 1649, and was repaired again in 1677. During the Williamite battle in Kinsale, 1690, the Williamites took James Fort after an explosion within its gunpowder stores.

The blockhouse at the tip of Castlepark peninsula was approached via a covered way from James Fort. It is thought to have been built in 1604 for £50. It is a shore-level hexagonal small fortification with firing capabilities for at least eight guns, a magazine, and accommodation for soldiers. In more recent times it was used by local fisherman to store their equipment.

Both James Fort and the blockhouse were built to defend Kinsale’s inner harbour from attack, primarily from the Bandon River. The sea channel was too shallow on the Castlepark peninsula’s side for James Fort’s guns, range of fire, to be of use from a seaward attack.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014