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Charles Fort Kinsale was constructed
in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal
fortification. Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort
and has five bastions. The two seaward bastions, the Devil's and the
Charles' were for defending the harbour and both are casemated - that
is, they have gun embrasures inside as well as on top of the walls.
The North, Flagstaff and the
Cockpit, are the three landward bastions and all three had a brick sentry box at their
outermost point, two of these still survive.
William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, is credited with
designing the Fort. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was
designed by Paul Ivy in 1602. In 1690 after the 'Battle of the Boyne' the Williamite
forces arrived at Kinsale and attacked both forts. Guided tours available. Restricted
access for people with disabilities due to uneven terrain.
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