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
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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.
Highlights
Gallery
Opening Times
16 March – 31 October 2023
Open daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 17:00
Notice
Tea Rooms:
Tea Rooms are currently closed. Opening dates and times are yet to be confirmed.
Seasonal Opening Times
- 16 March - 31 October
Open daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 17:00
- November - Mid March
Daily 10:00- 17:00
Last admission 16:00
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
- Coach parking
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- 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
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