Charles Fort: A Bastion of History in Kinsale
Explore Charles Fort in Kinsale: a 17th-century star-shaped fortress with centuries of history and panoramic harbor views.
Charles Fort, a star-shaped military fortress in Kinsale, County Cork, stands as a testament to 17th-century military engineering. Built between 1677 and 1682 during the reign of King Charles II, it has witnessed key moments in Irish history and offers stunning harbor views.
A brief summary to Charles Fort
- OPW, Kinsale, Summercove, Co. Cork, IE
- +353214772263
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the fort's uneven terrain.
- Check the seasonal opening times for the most up-to-date information.
- Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the fort's rich history.
- Take the scenic Scilly Walk from Kinsale town to the fort.
- Visit the on-site café for refreshments.
Getting There
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Walking
From Kinsale town center, the scenic Scilly Walk is a 30-40 minute (2.3 km) walk to Charles Fort. Follow the coastal path, enjoying views of the harbor. There are cafes and pubs along the way for refreshments.
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Public Transport
From Cork, take the Bus Éireann Route 226 to Kinsale. This hourly service also stops at Cork Airport and Cork Kent Rail Station. From Kinsale, the Local Link Cork route 253 bus goes directly to Charles Fort. The bus journey is approximately 10-20 minutes. A taxi from Kinsale to Charles Fort costs approximately €7-€10.
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Driving
From Kinsale, head east on the R600 for 1.5km and turn right onto Ardbrack Heights (signposted for Charles Fort). The fort is 2.4km up this road. Free parking is available on the side of the road as you approach Charles Fort. Parking can be busy during the summer.
Discover more about Charles Fort
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Bulman Bar & Restaurant Kinsale
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James Fort Blockhouse
0.7 km
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Trident Hotel Kinsale
1.4 km
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The Spaniard Inn
1.5 km
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Man Friday
1.5 km
Discover the coastal culinary gem of Man Friday in Kinsale, where fresh seafood meets breathtaking views for an unforgettable dining experience.
Kinsale Harbour Cruises
1.5 km
Experience the stunning coastal beauty and rich maritime history of Kinsale with unforgettable cruises in scenic Kinsale Harbour.
Actons Hotel Kinsale
1.6 km
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The Black Pig
1.6 km
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Gairdín Féileacán agus Clós Súgartha
1.7 km
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War of Independence Memory Stone
1.7 km
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Fishy Fishy Kinsale
1.7 km
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The Flying Poet Aviation Café - Coffee, Food, and Wine
1.8 km
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Long Quay house
1.8 km
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Dinos
1.8 km
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The Old Bank Townhouse Kinsale
1.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
James Fort
0.9 km
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Dock Beach
1.0 km
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Kinsale Beach
1.0 km
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Kinsale War Memorial
1.4 km
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P&S Place
1.5 km
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Scilly Bog
1.6 km
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Galleon Mast
1.6 km
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Kinsale Town Park
1.7 km
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Humphrey Murphy Memorial Park
1.7 km
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Kinsale Mead Co.
1.8 km
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Historic Stroll Kinsale Walking Tours
1.8 km
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kinsale heritage.com
1.8 km
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Kinsale Tourist Information Centre
1.8 km
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Dermot Ryan's Kinsale Heritage Town Walks
1.8 km
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Kinsale Food Tours
1.8 km
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Essential places to dine
Shirley's - Fish & Chips, Kinsale
0.1 km
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The Dock Bar
1.1 km
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Wharf Tavern
1.4 km
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Food U
1.4 km
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The White Lady Restaurant
1.5 km
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Pizza
1.6 km
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No. 19 Restaurant
1.6 km
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Pier Road Social
1.6 km
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Sidneys Bar & Brasserie
1.6 km
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Sigarca Limited
1.6 km
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Bruno's Italian Eatery
1.7 km
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Max's Seafood Kinsale
1.8 km
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Caramico Kinsale
1.8 km
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I Monsu Market
1.9 km
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Macdonald hotel
1.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
jane
1.5 km
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Lidl
1.7 km
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Lindas Of Kinsale
1.7 km
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Rain Kinsale
1.8 km
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Kinsale Leather
1.8 km
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Koko Kinsale
1.8 km
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Granny's Bottom Drawer
1.8 km
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Kinsale Sports Store
1.8 km
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J Cronin & Company Limited
1.8 km
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Chaac
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FatFace
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Boland Gift Shop & Crafts
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Firkail
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Scilly Art
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Darby’s Den
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Blue Room
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Oscar Madisons
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Sams Bar
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Dalton's Bar and Accommodation Kinsale
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The Grey Hound
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The Market Bar
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The Tap Tavern
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O'Sullivans Bar & Restaurant, Douglas
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South County
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The Beer Garden
21.3 km
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Gaia
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Coughlans Bar
21.8 km
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The Oval
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The Silly Goose
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An Bróg Bar + Kitchen
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