Desmond Castle

Recommended by Visit England Logo
Visit England Logo Our view
"An early 16th-century tower house with a colourful history."
Overview
Built by the Earl of Desmond around the beginning of the 16th century, Desmond Castle is a stone tower originally used as a custom house. It has also served as an ordnance office, prison, workhouse, stable and meeting place for the Local Defence Force during World War II. In 1938 it was declared a National Monument and restored. Currently, you can only look at the outside due to conservation work.
Features

  • Opening Times
  • Opening Times: Open 12 Apr-4 Oct, daily 10-6. (last admission 45mins before closing)

  • Facilities
  • Parking nearby
Location
Cork Street, KINSALE, Co Cork
About the area
Cork is Ireland’s southernmost county, and is also the largest. There’s a lot of coastline, most of which is rocky and dramatic, but there are some amazing beaches, like Barleycove, Inchydoney and Owenahincha.
Area image

Desmond Castle

Recommended by Visit England Logo
Visit England Logo Our view
"An early 16th-century tower house with a colourful history."
Overview
Built by the Earl of Desmond around the beginning of the 16th century, Desmond Castle is a stone tower originally used as a custom house. It has also served as an ordnance office, prison, workhouse, stable and meeting place for the Local Defence Force during World War II. In 1938 it was declared a National Monument and restored. Currently, you can only look at the outside due to conservation work.
Features
  • Opening Times
  • Opening Times: Open 12 Apr-4 Oct, daily 10-6. (last admission 45mins before closing)
  • Facilities
  • Parking nearby
Location
Cork Street, KINSALE, Co Cork
About the area
Area image
Cork is Ireland’s southernmost county, and is also the largest. There’s a lot of coastline, most of which is rocky and dramatic, but there are some amazing beaches, like Barleycove, Inchydoney and Owenahincha.