Desmond Castle - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

About Desmond Castle

Desmond Castle is on Cork Street in Kinsale County Cork and was built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond around 1500. It has had a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence. The castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving populace.

Hotels near Desmond Castle

Hotels to stay near Desmond Castle

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Activities Around

Attractions Near Desmond Castle

James Fort

James Fort

0.58km from Desmond Castle

James Fort is an early 17th-century pentagonal bastion fort located on Castlepark peninsula in Kinsale harbour, County Cork, Ireland. Situated downstream from Kinsale on the River Bandon, the fort was built to defend the harbour and seaborne approaches of the town. Following the construction of Charles Fort on the opposite side of the harbour in the late 17th century, James Fort became known as the "old fort" .

Charles Fort

Charles Fort

2.1km from Desmond Castle

Charles Fort is a massive star-shaped structure of the late seventeenth century, well preserved despite its history. The fort is now operated as a heritage tourism site by the Heritage Ireland arm of the Office of Public Works. As one of the country’s largest military installations, Charles Fort has been part of some of the most momentous events of Irish history.

Old Head Golf Links

Old Head Golf Links

10.97km from Desmond Castle

Old Head is one of Ireland's most spectacular links courses located on the Old Head of Kinsale that juts out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. As one of the most photographed golf courses in the world, Old Head provides an unforgettable links golf experience that is revered the world over and adorns many of the Top 100 Golf Course lists not just in Ireland but Europe and further afield.

Old Head of Kinsale

Old Head of Kinsale

11.04km from Desmond Castle

The Old Head of Kinsale is a narrow headland that stretches about 4.5 km into the Celtic Sea. The rugged terrain and dramatic views of the striking Old Head lighthouse and golf course offer the perfect opportunity to capture that crucial photo of a Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point, no matter what the weather.

Fountainstown Beach

Fountainstown Beach

16.5km from Desmond Castle

Fountainstown beach is located on the South Cork coast, west of the entrance to Cork Harbour and on the northern side of Ringabella Bay. The Front Beach is located at the entrance to the village, facing east towards Ringabella, and is the more frequently used. The beach can be pebbly or sandy, depending on the tides. The Back Beach, which also faces east, is located on a promontory in Ringabella Bay and is generally sandy, though the water is shallow.

Discover More Attractions in County Cork, Home of Desmond Castle

County Cork

County Cork

71 attractions

County Cork is the largest and the southernmost county of Ireland, situated in the province of Munster and named after the city of Cork, Ireland's second-largest city. It is one of Ireland's main tourist destinations, known for its rugged coast and megalithic monuments and as the starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way.

Location of Desmond Castle

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For more information about Desmond Castle, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Castle_(Kinsale)

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