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Fortress · Kinsale, Cork
Charles Fort
Star-shaped fortress begun in 1678 at the entrance to Kinsale Bay, used by the army until 1922, with ramparts, bastions and views over the harbour and the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Charles Fort
Charles Fort was begun in 1678 on the east side of the entrance to Kinsale Bay to protect the harbour, which was an important naval base. The name honours King Charles II. It is a star-shaped fortress with five bastions, a common design in Europe at the time, and covers about 5 hectares on the slope above the village of Summercove.
The fort was besieged and taken in 1690, during the war between William III and James II, by forces that attacked it from the hill behind it, the weak point of the design. After that it continued in use as a British army barracks for more than two centuries. In 1922, during the Irish Civil War, it was burned by the troops leaving it and was left in ruins.
The visit follows the ramparts and bastions, with views over the bay, the town of Kinsale and the open sea, and the interior, with the ruins of the barracks, magazines and officers' houses. An exhibition tells the story of the fort and the soldiers' lives. The Irish State heritage body cares for the site and offers guided tours at certain times of year.
On the opposite shore of the bay, across the water, lie the ruins of James Fort, older and dating from the early 17th century. The most attractive route to Charles Fort is the Scilly Walk, which starts in Kinsale town centre and follows the bay shore, passing the village of Summercove.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours for the walls, ruins and exhibition; plus 1 hour for the return walk along the Scilly Walk.
Best time
On clear days, in the morning or late afternoon when the light hits the bay. The fort is exposed to the wind; in bad weather bring a coat. Check opening times, which vary by season.
How to get there
It is about 3 km southeast of Kinsale town centre. On foot, follow the Scilly Walk along the bay in about 40 minutes. By car there is parking beside the entrance.
Tip
Walk out along the Scilly Walk and return by the road, or vice versa. On the ramparts, look for the bastion that faces the entrance to the bay, with views of the lighthouse and the open sea.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Charles Fort
Can you walk from Kinsale to Charles Fort?
Yes, via the Scilly Walk, a bay-side path of about 3 km, which takes around 40 minutes.
Why is the fort in ruins?
It was set on fire in 1922, during the Irish Civil War, by the troops abandoning it. The walls remained standing.
Are there guided tours?
The State heritage agency offers guided tours part of the year. The walls and the exhibition can be seen on your own.