Cork Castles and Forts
Are you looking for the castles of county Cork? We have compiled a list of Castles and Medieval Forts below that are all within close proximity of the Carrigaline Court Hotel! Of course, there are too many castles in Cork to mention but we have our top list of 5 below!
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Blackrock Castle Observatory
Blackrock Castle Observatory is a 16th century castle located about 2km from the heart of Cork City on the banks of the river Lee.
The present-day castle is actually the third structure to stand on this site. In 1582 the townspeople of Cork built a watchtower here to guard the harbour from pirates and
raiders. The tower was also used to guide ships in and out of the harbour.
In 1601 Lord-Deputy Mountjoy replaced the tower with a full castle. It was designed to mount artillery and featured walls that were over 2 metres thick. In 1608 James I gave the castle back to the City of Cork.
Today the castle is open to the public 7 days a week and it houses a range of attractions from the scientific to the historical and cultural. Included in the admission price is a guided tour of the castle with tours of the towers and dungeons and more on the colorful history of the castle.
For more information visit https://www.bco.ie/
Charles Fort in Kinsale
Charles Fort in Kinsale is a classic example of a star-shaped fort and has five bastions, constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification.
Perhaps the best-known historical attraction in Kinsale, Charles Fort, is on the road just beyond Summercove. It is open all year, and regular guided tours are available. Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains.
Today, this formidable structure provides a platform to enjoy the breathtaking views of Kinsale town and harbour. In excess of 75,000 visitors a year enter via the drawbridge and step back in time to explore this ‘terror from the sea’.
One of a network of forts built to defend Cork harbour in the 19th century. Explore the buildings and tunnels to discover exhibitions, artillery, living history displays with great views of the harbour.
If you are looking for Kinsale hotels, Carrigaline court hotel is your perfect option.
For more information visit www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/charlesfort/
Camden Fort Meagher
Camden Fort Meagher is internationally recognized as being “One of the finest remaining examples of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort in the world”. For almost 400 years the fort played a key role as a strong strategic position for the defense of Ireland, the west coast of England and Wales. 
The fort is a prime location to watch ships passing through Cork Harbour, the second-largest natural harbour in the world. The fort is named after Irish nationalist Thomas Francis Meagher who designed Ireland’s national flag of green, white and orange in 1848.
Take a trip to this incredible fort and admire the bright tunnel, granite spiral staircase, and magazine and after, wander around the exhibition rooms including the World War I Memorial Room!
For more information visit www.camdenfortmeagher.ie/
Blarney Castle and gardens
Blarney Castle located a short distance from Cork city, is famous for kissing the Blarney Stone, and has beautiful gardens to relax in along with climbing up the spectacular castle.
For more information visit www.blarneycastle.ie
Cork Gaol
Cork is a city with a very rich historical and archaeological heritage much of it still in evidence today. Part of this heritage, Cork City Gaol, is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Take a trip back in time and wander through the wings of the Gaol, accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates and the jingle of the warders’ keys. For more information visit the Cork Gaol website.
For inspiration on things to do in Cork, visit our Breaks Page
