Charles Fort — Attraction in The Municipal District of Bandon-Kinsale

Here we are in a middle of a pandemic with most sites across Ireland are either closed or have very restricted access. For those open, there are the crowds to deal with, and general concerns for safety. Charles Fort was one of a few exceptions. A great feat on the last Sunday before children return to school.

On this beautiful Sunday we headed to Charles Fort with the plan to abort the mission if it were too busy. Driving up we had a slight panic at the number of vehicles in the lot, but soon realized that a large number of people were walking the nearby paths and beach. There is one perfectly located Disabled parking spot right at the entrance. Accessibility around the actual fort would be limited from a wheelchair, but it would be depend a bit on wheelchair type and fitness level. There are stone steps and threshold but access to the centre green and views seem completely possible to me.

At this time the Office of Public Works has waived the entry fee as the coffee shop and exhibition hall are closed. While we will likely return when the hall opens, it was not at all needed.

Upon entering there is a socially distanced queue where a brief but thorough health and safety brief is given. There is a well marked one-way system in place, and entrance and exits are staggered through the single point. I felt that it was all very well managed.

There are self-service maps available and staff in high-vis vests stationed around the fort. They were there to both maintain safety and answer any questions about the fort. There was no time limit placed on us, and we were perfectly happy to explore at our leisure. The views were fabulous, families were having a great time, and I was well impressed by the fort itself, and the thought invested in visitor safety while maintaining a very pleasant experience.

As with all OPW sites like this, only Guide and Assistance Dogs...

As the name suggest it does not only inspire people who love history to visit. But it's scenic view ensures that people who love nature and tranquility can be there as well. There is an entry fee if you want to get into the fort and discover it, the opening times can be found on Google. You will have an option of guided tour as well, and will be amazed that armies from as far as India had come and joined the Irish forces at this fort. The history runs across the globe in this fort. And doesn't end with history only. People can even have photoshoot at this place. You can walk down to the rocks where the shores hit but be careful of the tide times and the rain 🌧️ when the rocks are slippery. The way down can be found from the parking spot, find the Spanish Flag soaring with the wind and walk into the green field and follow the fence. Be careful on a rainy day. If you are looking for a grub. Let your car be here and walk down to Bulmans bar and restaurant which is only 10mins down the slope. Mind it walking uphill. Almost impossible to get parking beside the bar and street is too narrow so I would suggest you to leave your car at the fort. The review has gone too long, but hope it helps people. Thanks and enjoy your...

This was fantastic. So much to walk around, so many incredible ruins to see and walk THROUGH. We were warned it might be closed and we'd just see it from the outside, that alone would have been cool, but it was open and walking through each portion of it was AMAZING. And all of it is right alongside the water, making it an absolutely beautiful setting. There is one and only one thing I point out as a flaw. There is so much history there and so many things and stories to tell, that it was really frustrating that there was no tour offered. We asked and they apparently do it at busier times of year. Okay, I get that, but then create an AUDIO guide at least. Add signs on each part that show what room it is, there was so little information while walking around it was really limiting. Yes there was information before you started but this could be one of my favorite tours of all time if it was explained to me along the way, I really hope they do something about it, I could see this becoming like the Tower of London tour where people in costume take you around and tell you stories at each part, it would draw loads of crowds. Just a really missed opportunity, because it's an...