Desmond Castle is an exceptional Irish castle, built around 1500 by Maurice Fitzgerald, 9th Earl of Desmond. Located in the village of Kinsale, it was once used as a “Customs House” until 1641, and then as a prison. As magnificent and imposing as ever, it is now open to the public.
Ordered by Henry VII, the château was originally built as a customs house. In 1641, the fortress was transformed into a prison, housing French and Spanish prisoners in atrocious conditions (unsanitary conditions, humidity, disease, lack of food, etc.).
In January 1747, a fire spread through the château, killing 54 of the prisoners. In 1791, the castle finally passed to James Kearney, Mayor of Kinsale, and was used as the town’s prison until 1846, mainly during the Great Irish Famine.
In 1938, the château was finally bought by the government, and restored in the 1990s. Since then, it has been open to the public, offering visitors the chance to discover the history of the building, its evolution over the centuries, and the historical objects that were used in the château.
The château is open to visitors, and will take you right to the heart of the building’s history. A fascinating exhibition will take you through its major historical phases, from the early days of customs management to its conversion into a prison. A lovely way to discover the history of Kinsale, from the Irish Middle Ages to the time of castles, conflicts and later the Great Famine.
Allow an hour or so for the tour. Guides can accompany you on your exploration. The tour is comprehensive, fun and suitable for the whole family.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
51.707307, -8.524672
45 minutes
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