Direction Ireland

Charles Fort

Southwest Ireland | County Cork

Charles Fort (Irish: Dún Chathail), which overlooking and protecting Kinsale Harbour, is with no doubt one of the most spectacular and worth visiting attraction in County Cork. It was named after King Charles II, during whose reign has been built on the site of an earlier stronghold known as Ringcurran Castle, over the years 1670's and 80's. Roughly at the same time, the lighthouse was established by Robert Reading, who was granted permission by king to erect six lighthouses on the Irish coast. The current lighthouse was built in 1929, and in 2004 was converted to electric power as a one of the last in Ireland. Star shaped military fortification was designed by William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin. The fort was partially damaged during the Williamite War, when was besieged by John Churchill, but was repaired after siege and continued to be used as british military barracks until Anglo-Irish Treaty (1921). In 1922, during the Irish Civil War Charles Fort was burned by the retreating anti-Treaty forces. In 1973 fortification was nominated a National Monument and partly restored is open to the public. The building where once was located officer's house now is a home for exhibition about the history of the fort and everyday life and living conditions of the soldiers who served here. Most of the military barracks ruins are open to explore, what helps to imagine how it looked at the time of its heyday. Walk on ramparts gives stunning views of Bandon River estuary and perfectly shows the military significance of fort's location. Charles Fort is also known as a haunted place associated with the tragic history of the fort's Commander, his daughter and her bridegroom, where in the final all of the mentioned above died. Supposedly, sometimes in the evening half dusk, the white ghost of Tragic Bride of Charles Fort may be seen walking on the battlements around the place of tragedy.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • Mid March - Oct:
    • Daily: 10-18
  • Nov - Mid March:
    • Daily: 10-17.30
  • 24th-31st Dec: Closed
• ADMISSION FEES :
  • Adult: €4
  • Sen/Group: €3
  • Child/Student: €2
  • Family: €10
• TELEPHONE :
  • +353 21 477 2263
• CAR PARK :
  • Yes