Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / Province of Munster / County Cork / Kinsale / Charles Fort

Charles Fort, Kinsale

4.7

Must see · Historic Site · Tourist Spot

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A fine example of a star-shaped military structure, Charles Fort once served as an important part of a waterfront defense system designed to resist cannon attacks. Built in the 1670s on the site of a medieval castle, the fort remained in use until 1922, playing a key role in some of the most important battles in Irish history. Two giant bastions, the fort's main features, overlook the water, while three others face inland. To learn the history behind the fort's weather-beaten walls and see what remains of the old military barracks and support facilities, join a daily guided tour, available year-round. The tour involves a walk on rocky terrain, so bring appropriate footwear. Use our Kinsale trip itinerary website to arrange your visit to Charles Fort and other attractions in Kinsale.

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Tours to Charles Fort

FROM $97 BOOK WITH VIATOR Shore Excursion From Cork: Including Blarney Castle and Kinsale Shore Excursion From Cork: Including Blarney Castle and Kinsale

4.6

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from $97 ›

FROM $86 BOOK WITH VIATOR Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion

4.9

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from $86 ›

FROM $3,361 BOOK WITH VIATOR Beautiful Southwest Tour 2022 Beautiful Southwest Tour 2022

5.0

Duration: 8 days

Tours from $3,361 ›

FROM $256 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Cork City Tour, Kinsale and Jameson Distillery Private Cork City Tour, Kinsale and Jameson Distillery

4.7

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from $256 ›

FROM $599 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Wild Atlantic Day Tour from Cork Private Wild Atlantic Day Tour from Cork

5.0

Duration: 8 to 9 hours

Tours from $599 ›

Charles Fort reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,264 reviews

Google

4.7

By Cristasmic

We walked the exterior first and then toured the interior. A bit windy in the area but such beautiful pics! A must see if you love seascapes.

We walked the exterior first and then toured the interior. A bit windy in the area but such beautiful pics! A must see if you love seascapes. more »
By Ed M

We enjoyed our visit and guided tour that was very informative. The location is well maintained and the history is thoroughly explained.

We enjoyed our visit and guided tour that was very informative. The location is well maintained and the history is thoroughly explained. more »
By ljmorford

Good, but I did not feel the need to spend a lot of time here. There is a tiny museum with a couple of rooms, but most of what there is to see is the fort itself. I didn't do a tour because the...

Good, but I did not feel the need to spend a lot of time here. There is a tiny museum with a couple of rooms, but most of what there is to see is the fort itself. I didn't do a tour because the... more »

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Google

By Andre Hackart

An impressive structure guarding the entrance to the bay. James Fort is on the other side of the bay in Kinsale. Charles fort is by far the more impressive if the 2 as it's still in very good condition. James Fort you are free to enter , Charles fort there is an entrance fee. We also took a walk around Charles fort so we could see it from a distance and get some good pictures over the water , it's very impressive and worth a visit. Parking is right at the entrance

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By Victoria Ortiz

Amazing fort. You can't imagine how big and beautiful it is until you cross the entrance door. Breathtaking views of the buildings with the sea as a background. You can spend some good time walking around them and taking lovely pictures.

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By Jorge Baptista

Amazing views all around the fort. The staff were so friendly to us. Me and my parents really loved it. It includes a nice museum and exposition inside so you can read and learn a bit about the fort history.

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By Jason Wieczorek

One of the best experiences I had during my time in Ireland. The fort is easy enough to get to, easy parking - the town of Kinsale is a must visit too. Plan for an hour as the fort is quite large, but there is a coffee shop if you need a pick me up. Tons of history surrounding the fort to take in, but one of the best parts was simply the views beyond the fort walls. Prime spots to take panoramas of the Irish coast, and if you're lucky it will be a sunny day!

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By Kevin McCabe

Well worth the €5. It was much larger than expected with lots of different sections. You really have free reign to roam the whole grounds. There are a few rooms with looped educational videos running and a few artifacts from the fort’s history. Perhaps the best part of it though is the views of Kinsale, the harbor, the rolling green hills, and the ocean out in the distance. Plenty of sail boats when we were there, and even a rainbow over Kinsale town. Try to go on a clear day! (Oh, there are nice clean bathrooms too)

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