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Charles Fort from James Fort, Kinsale, Co. Cork.📷 The Speckled Bird, CC BY-SA 4.0

Charles Fort

Kinsale, Ireland

History

A star-shaped fort from the late 17th century guarding Kinsale Harbour, run by the Office of Public Works. Drive or walk the coast road from Kinsale through Scilly; parking is limited for large vehicles.

Nearest town
Kinsale, Ireland
Category
History & culture
GPS
51.6966, -8.4997

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Getting there

  • Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.

Featured in these trip guides

West Cork: Kinsale to Mizen Head – Charles Fort from James Fort, Kinsale, Co. Cork.© The Speckled Bird · CC BY-SA 4.0
N71
Coasts & islands

West Cork: Kinsale to Mizen Head

209 km9 stops4 days

Nearby

Kinsale – Rockview (8031275507)© psyberartist · CC BY 2.0
History

Kinsale

Kinsale, Ireland
Cobh - The Last Port Of Call For The Titanic (7349131634)© William Murphy from Dublin, Ireland · CC BY-SA 2.0
History

Cobh

Cobh, Ireland
Blarney Castle - The public queuing to kiss the Blarney Stone at the top of the tower - geograph.org.uk - 8225999© Chris Gorringe · CC BY-SA 2.0
Oddities

Blarney Castle

Blarney, Ireland
Drombeg Stone Circle. - panoramio© Jane White · CC BY-SA 3.0
History

Drombeg Stone Circle

Glandore, Ireland

Campsites nearby

  • MotofeirmeCampsite
    4 km from Charles Fort · 5 pitches
    TentsToiletsFree
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Garrettstown House Holiday ParkCampsite
    8 km from Charles Fort
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Forest Rest ParkMotorhome stopover
    13 km from Charles Fort
    Motorhomes
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Roberts Cove Holiday ParkMotorhome stopover
    14 km from Charles Fort
    Motorhomes
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Five Foot Way Camper Van FacilityMotorhome stopover
    21 km from Charles Fort
    MotorhomesToiletsWaste disposal
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Sextons Caravan and Camping ParkCampsite
    22 km from Charles Fort
    Wi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Charles Fort?

Charles Fort is in Kinsale, Ireland, at GPS 51.6966, -8.4997. It is about 23 km from Cork.

Can you camp near Charles Fort?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Motofeirme, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Charles Fort?

Charles Fort is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: West Cork: Kinsale to Mizen Head.

What is there to see near Charles Fort?

Places worth a stop nearby: Kinsale (2 km), Cobh (22 km), Blarney Castle (26 km) and Drombeg Stone Circle (43 km).

When is the best time to visit Charles Fort?

The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)