Kinsale is a town steeped in history and colour and a popular tourist destination. Kinsale was the battlefield site where the English forces defeated an Irish/Spanish force in 1601.
Charles Fort, which is a now a popular location for events, dates back to 1677. Charles Fort is a fortification that guards the entrance to Kinsale harbour – naturally it was built to protect the harbour from enemy attacks from France and Spain. On the other side of the cove you will find James’s Fort near the Castlepark peninsula.
On May 7, 1915 when the German U-boat sunk the RMS Lusitania, the survivors were brought to Kinsale and the subsequent inquest on the bodies recovered was held in the town’s courthouse. In light of the sad tragedy, you will find a statue in the harbour commemorating the effort.