Charles Fort, Kinsale and World War I
Aerial Photo of Charles Fort
Amongst Ireland's most historic National Monuments are Charles Fort, Desmond Castle and James Fort, located in the medieval town of Kinsale, Co. Cork, which is famed for its gourmet cuisine, winding streets, architectural splendour and old world charm. Kinsale and its National Monuments are inextricably linked with some of the most momentous events in Irish and British military history.
Intimidating Coastal Fort Constructed in 1682 and garrisoned by the British Army until 1922, Charles Fort overlooks the Old Head of Kinsale and the mouth of the Bandon River. Today, this formidable structure provides a platform to enjoy the breathtaking views of Kinsale town and harbour. Almost 70,000 visitors a year enter via the drawbridge and step back in time to explore this 'terror from the sea'. Commanding the seaward approach into Kinsale, Charles Fort is a five-bastioned star-shaped fort. This remarkable piece of military engineering was completed during the reign of King Charles II. Manual labourers were paid 6 pence for a 12-hour day on its construction. The earth-filled stone walls reach
Main entrance gate and drawbridge
up to 45 feet high and upwards of 150 cannon platforms are testament to the scale and size of this magnificent fortress. Good walking shoes are
recommended as visitors will want to explore all 10 hectares of one of the finest 17th-century forts within Britain and Ireland. www.heritageireland.ie
15