Well worth the €5. It was much larger than expected with lots of different sections. You really have free reign to roam the whole grounds. There are a few rooms with looped educational videos running and a few artifacts from the fort’s history. Perhaps the best part of it though is the views of Kinsale, the harbor, the rolling green hills, and the ocean out in the distance. Plenty of sail boats when we were there, and even a rainbow over Kinsale town. Try to go on a clear day! (Oh, there are nice clean bathrooms too)

One of the best experiences I had during my time in Ireland. The fort is easy enough to get to, easy parking - the town of Kinsale is a must visit too. Plan for an hour as the fort is quite large, but there is a coffee shop if you need a pick me up. Tons of history surrounding the fort to take in, but one of the best parts was simply the views beyond the fort walls. Prime spots to take panoramas of the Irish coast, and if you're lucky it will be a sunny day!

Amazing views all around the fort. The staff were so friendly to us. Me and my parents really loved it. It includes a nice museum and exposition inside so you can read and learn a bit about the fort history.

Amazing fort. You can't imagine how big and beautiful it is until you cross the entrance door. Breathtaking views of the buildings with the sea as a background. You can spend some good time walking around them and taking lovely pictures.

Great banter and historical insights with the guides. Lovely, warm chat at the coffee shop. Fascinating how many eras and uses the castle has had down through the ages, right up to the Hippie Commune ! Be sure to take the walk through the ferns along the shoreline !!

Charles Fort is a huge star-shaped structure of the 17th century and a bastion fort in the seaside town of Kinsale. It's a great place to walk around and explore the old grey forts and castle like structures while walking on the spotless green grass. I was not just impressed by the ancient-like infrastructure of the place, but I was impressed by how there's no rubbish or any form of pollution evident on the grass.

Historic place that needs to be visited once in Kinsale. At the entrance a guide will help you understand the 2 possible trails and how to get around. What to see and all the info needed. Very well preserved with a stunning view

This old fort on the hill just outside Kinsale is a must-see. You can walk around almost the whole thing and see the ruins of the old buildings that used to stand in the fort (some are still around) and walk around up to the walls to see the views of the water. Beautiful and historic.

This was a last minute addition to our day and I am so grateful we did it. If you like history this is a wonderful visit to learn more about Spain invading Ireland, the English taking it back and so much more. If you like nature you will love seeing how nature is winning in this fort. If you love photography, wow. You could spend days here and not have enough time for everything.

An impressive structure guarding the entrance to the bay. James Fort is on the other side of the bay in Kinsale. Charles fort is by far the more impressive if the 2 as it's still in very good condition. James Fort you are free to enter , Charles fort there is an entrance fee. We also took a walk around Charles fort so we could see it from a distance and get some good pictures over the water , it's very impressive and worth a visit. Parking is right at the entrance

A walk back in time... Well maintained and restored Star shaped Fort built around 1685 with stunning view out to sea. Very close and easy to access from Kinsale. Definitely worth a visit.

The fort is beautiful and on clear evenings invites to amazing sunsets. The expo is also very good.

Really nice place to visit. Plenty parking and excellent views over kinsale. The staff were super informative and helpful and took time out to explain the location

Epic journey thru history at Charles Fort. A must see stop if you happen to visit Kinsale and only 5 Euro! Had a wonderful time wondering thru all the buildings and preserved artifacts. So much rich history...and dont forget James Fort on the other side of the bay....its worth a walk around as well (and free!).

Great Visit- really cold/ windy day, but still a Great visit- famous saying- never a bad weather day, just a bad dressed day... so true- we wrapped up warm, and had a brilliant visit- so much info, really knowledgeable staff too.. Must do visit!!

A 40-60 minute walk from the centre of Kinsale (depending on your preferred pace!), Charles Fort is well worth a visit. You can either take the road all the way there or else (for part of the journey) go along the more picturesque Scilly footpath - see the sign for it on the corner by The Spaniard Inn. The fort has a very interesting history and offers excellent photo opportunities. You may self-guide using information boards and screen shows but, if you can, go around with Fort guide, Padraig - a man possessing a wealth of knowledge which he imparts with helpings of gentle Irish humour.

Charles Fort is located in the Kinsale area it is a top rated tourist location. It recently underwent some improvement works and is great value for money. Transport option to get there are tour buses public transport and other ways to travel. This historic tourist attraction is a great example of early history defence. The visitor centre itself has video screens explaining the history over different decades. With memoribilia and other items of interest. It has native species of nature's and great walks and views inside over looking Kinsale harbour. A must do for anyone interested in tours history and attractions. The town of Kinsale is only a few minutes around if visiting make sure to put this on your lists to do and visit.

We enjoyed walking from Kinsale and found the fort well worth the effort. The Irish history and insights into living conditions were fascinating.

We visited here today. We didn't have a tour, we just went around by ourselves. There are plenty of information panels and there was a film presentation on the history of the Fort in a building near the entrance. There was also an interesting exhibition of black and white photos from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Overall, an interesting place to see. Just outside the Fort there is a plaque commemorating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Spanish in Kinsale in 1601.

Worth the visit. Very historical. Has a great visitors experience. Easy parking.

This fort is amazingly preserved and makes a stunning backdrop for photography lovers. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this fort, learn the stories of the battles, and find yourself in awe at the size of the property.

On the day we had poor weather, but we're lucky we had a great tour guide, Padraig, to show us around the fort. He was very friendly, funny, and very informative and still took time to answer any questions we had l. The Fort itself is extremely beautiful and offers great sea views of Kinsale and its Harbour.

Thoroughly enjoyed visiting. Do go on the tour around otherwise I should think it be quite boring. The tour was excellent and learnt so much, (even if it was in the rain!) then you know what it is you are looking at! Plenty parking in lovely area near Kinsale which is only a few minutes away.

Gorgeous & historical spot. I highly recommend taking the Scilly walk from Kinsale(about a 45min walk) the views are stunning. However the walk is a bit step at parts so wear comfy shoes! The Fort is fascinating & full of history. Also make sure to stop at the Bulman Bar (just down the hill from the fort). Best seafood we’ve had so far and right by the bay. Enjoy:)

A great place to stop off if your in West Cork. The area is beautiful with a great costal walk right beside, while the fort itself is well preserved and full of history. There were still covid restrictions in place while we were there but guides currently used as safety officer managed to "sneak in" some fantastic background!

Excellent site, not to be missed when visiting Ireland. Highly recommend the guided tour you'll get more detailed information. Learned a lot about the Spanish attack and Oliver Cromwell as new ways of defending different from castles. Look at getting the Irish Hertige pass to get into over 80 historical sites throughout Ireland for one low fee.

Breathtaking views of the ocean from everywhere around the fort. Very old fort with a beautiful entrance. One way system of entry due to covid restrictions. Small cafe inside and you can sit and enjoy the coffee while watching the beauty of the ocean. Plentiful parking outside and entry is free. Views of kinsale town from there is amazing.

Well worth a visit to this historic site near Kinsale. It’s a very well looked after site, worth some money for the ticket, and a beautiful location. Really nice setting. Some great pubs not too far away worth visiting. All in all a must visit if you’re in Kinsale.

Very happy we chose to make this one of our stops. A well preserved Fort. Received by friendly staff who was very knowledgeable in history not only locally but globally as well . The exhibitions was also very informative with the self-guided tour. Will recommend for people with a love of history or just even mildly interested in it.

One of the finest forts in cork. One can’t imagine the size of the fort by seeing its entrance. It carry its glory even after several centuries. The entrance door looks amazing. There is ample car park outside the fort. There is a entry fee for from 12 yrs old to adults. The fee is nominal and worth it. It’s a great place who loves history and it showcases the power of the rebel capital’s army. The opw department maintains the fort very well. The staffs are very friendly. There is a toilet inside the fort. The remains of barracks and the stores are still standing strong. Must visit place while you’re in Cork/Ireland.

Very cool experience! Very informative and lots of posters/ videos to help explain the history of the fort. The ‘self-tour at your own pace’ made it nice for us to wander at our own pace and read the information/ enjoy the views. Recommend for anyone visiting Kinsale

Absolutely Brilliant, one of the best places I have ever been. The weather was class for the visit. This Fort is so well kept and clean, it's a real credit to the Board of Works. My wife and I were on a holiday to Kinsale for the 1st time. Don't miss Charles Fort. Its class, and the views.

The walk from Charles Fort out along the headland is well worth doing , and on a fine sunny day ,it’s hard to beat , on your return you have a short walk down the hill to the Bullman pub , Which does great food , teas, coffees and of course refreshments ( by the pint 😉)