Charles Fort
Large star-shaped seventeenth-century fortress above Kinsale Harbour, with ramparts, barracks, an exhibition and guided tours.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Charles Fort is a star-shaped military fortress built in the late seventeenth century to guard the entrance to Kinsale Harbour. The architect William Robinson, who also designed the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham in Dublin, is credited with its design. It is among the largest military installations in Ireland, and parts of its outer defences stand some 16 metres high.
The fort saw action soon after it was built. During the Williamite Wars it withstood a siege lasting thirteen days before it fell. In the Civil War of the early 1920s, retreating anti-Treaty forces burned it out. Despite this history the structure is remarkably well preserved.
Today the fort is run by the Office of Public Works as a heritage site. Visitors can walk the ramparts, which give wide views over Kinsale Harbour, explore the casemates, and view an interpretive exhibition. Guided tours are offered, and a café serves tea, coffee, toasties and pastries.
Highlights
- Massive star-shaped fortress with walls up to 16 m high
- Ramparts with views over Kinsale Harbour
- Interpretive exhibition and guided tours
- Casemates and other fortress buildings to explore
- Café on site
Permanent exhibition
- Charles Fort interpretive exhibition – An interpretive exhibition in the fortress about its history.
- Operated by
- Office of Public Works (Heritage Ireland)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Group and senior |
| Children & teens | €3Child or student. |
| Seniors | €4 |
| Students & apprentices | €3 |
| Groups | €4 per person |
| Families | €13 |
The site is part of the Heritage Ireland network run by the Office of Public Works.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site lists challenging access: surfaces are uneven and slippery in places, and there are edges at the ramparts and hand rails to hold. Only assistance dogs are allowed. A visual guide and social guide in PDF form help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental or learning disabilities prepare for a visit.
Kids & families
| Family ticket | €13 |
|---|
- Baby changing facilities
A baby-changing facility is listed. Children must stay with an adult at all times because of the edges and uneven ground.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
A car park and coach parking are available at the fort.
The fort is at Summer Cove, 3 km from Kinsale; turn off the Cork–Kinsale road (R600) 2 km from the town.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The café serves tea, coffee, toasties, pastries and desserts. Coach parking is available.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
The fortress is promoted as a wedding venue.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours are available, and there is an interpretive exhibition. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Drones are not allowed. Visitors should stay back from edges. |