The Charles Fort in Kinsale is a medieval fort built in the 17th century at the entrance to the Bandon estuary. With a breathtaking view of the bay and the village of Kinsale, the area is very touristy, and has a rather nice charm!
Kinsale’s Charles Fort was built in 1670 on the ruins of an earlier fort known as Ringcurran Castle. Completed in 1681, the new castle was named “Charles Fort” after Charles II, King of England. The edifice was built to better watch over the security of Kinsale and the surrounding area.
However, Charles Fort was sieged in 1690 as a refuge for supporters of James II, who tried to fight off repeated assaults by Williamite forces. After 13 days of siege, with repeated cannon fire partially destroying the fort, the building was forced to capitulate.
After several years, the château was restored and improved. However, it fell into ruin during the Irish Civil War, when it was burned by forces opposed to the Treaty of London. It has since been partially renovated, and is now open to visitors…
Charles Fort of Kinsale – © Martin Dunlea – Shutterstock
The Charles Fort costs €4.50 per person. Allow a good half-hour for the tour, and bring a good camera to capture the ruined buildings…
The visit is free and allows you to discover all the secrets of the building, with its particularly well-preserved walls and foundations. The fort is rather large, with imposing walls and cannons posted at the most strategic points.
For the record, the site is said to be haunted. It is said to be visited by the “White Lady of Kinsale”.
Legend has it that it all began in 1870. At the time, Willful Warrender was a young woman married to an officer named Sir Trevor Ashurst. One day, the young officer offered to take up the post of sentry at the fort, in order to instruct another soldier to fetch flowers for his wedding.
Unfortunately, Trevor Ashurst fell asleep while standing guard.
Wilful’s father, commander of the fort, spotted the sleeping sentry in the distance and had him shot, realizing only later that he had in fact killed his new son-in-law.
When Willful discovered what had happened, she took her own life by jumping off the ramparts, prompting Commander Warrender to commit suicide.
Since then, Wilful, the “White Lady of Kinsale”, has reportedly been seen wandering around the Charles Fort on a regular basis.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Summercove, Kinsale (County Cork) - Republic of Ireland
51.697134, -8.498911
5€ per person
Here are a few useful places to stay so you can extend your trip and stay close to the sights you want to visit.
