World Wide Panorama - 'Best of 2005' - December 2005

The Devil's Bastion at Charles Fort - Kinsale Co. Cork Ireland

Charles Fort Kinsale as viewed from the Devil's Bastion

As we are based in Kinsale it is only natural that I would have some images of Charles Fort.

Situated about 2 km. from Kinsale it is an easy walk along a lovely sea shore path.

This Vauban inspired star shaped fort was built in 1677. Previously, there had been a Norman fort on the site. Across the harbour are the remains of the older James Fort. In 1922 the fort interior was extensively damaged during the Irish Civil War.

On 7 May 1915, the passenger liner 'Lusitania' was torpedoed about 20 km. outside the harbour entrance while sailing to Cork. 1,201 people died. The tragedy influenced the USA to enter 'The Great War'. There is a memorial near 'The Old Head of Kinsale' and more extensive information in 'Cobh' in Cork harbour where many of the rescued survivors were landed.

Now in the hands of the Office of Public Works, Charles Fort and James Fort are is being slowly and carefully restored.

Go to our interactive linked series of 11 panoramas with a plan of the fort (on our sister site) to see many more views.

If in Kinsale - come and see the real thing

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