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.