Charles Fort Military Fortress
A star-shaped military fortress that has stood firm for centuries
Charles Fort Military Fortress
A star-shaped military fortress that has stood firm for centuries
Delayed opening to visitors at 12 noon on Saturday 23 November 2024 due to a red weather warning as a result of Storm Bert.
We apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Tearooms will close on Monday 04 November 2024 and re-open on Saturday 15 March 2025
Christmas Hours 2024: Closed December 23 - 31 inclusive. Charles Fort will re-open 10:00 January 1 2025.
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Charles Fort Military Fortress
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.
Highlights
Gallery
Opening Times
Open all Year
Seasonal Opening Times apply
(Please click on Seasonal Opening Times Blocks)
Christmas Hours 2024: Closed December 23 – 31 inclusive. Charles Fort will re-open 10:00 1 January 2025.
Notice
Tea Rooms
Tearooms will close on Monday 04 November 2024 and re-open on Saturday 15 March 2025.
Seasonal Opening Times
- 16 March - 31 October
Open daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 17:00
- 02 November -17 March
Daily 10:00- 17:00
Last admission 16:00
Christmas Hours 2024: Closed December 23 – 31 inclusive. Charles Fort will re-open 10:00 1 January 2025.
Getting Here
3km from Kinsale – turn off Cork-Kinsale road (R600) 2km from the town.
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Baby Changing
- Brochure
- Café
- Car park
- Card Accepted
- Coach parking
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Wedding Venue
Restrictions
- Assistance dogs only
- Challenging Access
- 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 Military Fortress
Desmond Castle Kinsale
A building at the core of Kinsale’s history
Approx. 2.1 km from Charles Fort Military Fortress
Fota Arboretum and Gardens
Explore an island oasis of rare and exotic flora
Approx. 25.6 km from Charles Fort Military Fortress
Barryscourt Castle
A fine Irish tower house bearing the scars of battle
Approx. 28.4 km from Charles Fort Military Fortress
You might also like
Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate
Where two kings fought for Europe’s future
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
A monument to more than a century of Irish nationalism
Fota Arboretum and Gardens
Explore an island oasis of rare and exotic flora
Royal Hospital Kilmainham
One of Dublin's most iconic buildings and Ireland’s foremost example of fine 17th century architecture
Resources
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.
Social Guide pages 1 and 2
Social Guide pages 3 and 4
Social Guide pages 5 and 6
Social Guide pages 7 and 8
Social Guide pages 9 and 10
Social Guide pages 11 and 12