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
- Click to display
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- 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
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Charles Fort.
- 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.
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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.
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