Impressive star-shaped fort, built 1677-82 over the earlier Ringcurran Castle, and named for the restored King Charles II. It became known as the "new fort", complementing the older James Fort across the harbour.
About Charles Fort
It was built to repulse seaborne attack but was overlooked by higher ground and vulnerable to landward attack. That enabled John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, to capture town and fort in 1690 in the Williamite Wars. Various repairs and additions were made over the next 200 years and it remained a British military base until Irish independence in 1921. It then fell derelict before being restored from the 1970s, with an exhibition area in the former commander's quarters.
Charles Hoy Fort was an American writer and researcher who specialized in anomalous phenomena. The terms "Fortean" and "Forteana" are sometimes used to characterize various such phenomena. Fort's books sold well and are still in print. His work continues to inspire admirers, who refer to themselves as "Forteans", and has influenced some aspects of science fiction.
Plan your visit
- Where: Summercove P17 XK68 (Kinsale)
- Hours: Daily 10AM-5PM
- Price: Adult €5, conc €4, child €3
- Phone: +353 21 477 2263
- Web: heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/charles-fort-military-fortress
Details sourced from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 3.0), with background from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Published on 1 November 2026 at 1:00 pm