Charles Fort Kinsale

A significant defensive structure built in the late 17th century to guard the coast.

Built in the period 1677 - 1682, this star fortification was designed by the Surveyor-general Sir William Robinson and named after Charles II. Its walls are especially thick in order to resist attack by canon. The fort was put to the test in 1690 during the Williamite War, when the fort was under siege for 13 days. Unfortunately, the landward side and inland bastions were overlooked by higher ground, which proved to be a critical weakness.

The fort continued to be used as a British army barracks for another two hundred years. It fell out of use following the Irish civil war in 1922 when retreating anti-treaty forces set it on fire.

Charles fort is located near Summercove about 3 km south east of Kinsale.

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