After the Spanish sailed into Kinsale in 1601, the British decided they better do something to protect this important harbor, so they not only built one but two forts - one on each side of the mouth of the harbor. The forts were named, as you might guess, after British kings - Charles Fort and James Fort.
Baxter and I walked around Charles Fort which is on the east side of the harbor. When we went to James Fort, we decided to take Kala with us to explore. The design and layout of the forts is interesting and strategic in protecting the harbors and housing the military.
Both forts were active until 1922 when the Irish voted for independence and the English were booted out of the country. The lighthouse on Charles Fort has remained active and the fort has opened as a museum. James Fort is open to walk around the grounds but the inside of the fort is closed to the public.
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| Kinsale is the harbor in the center where the red triangle is positioned. |
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| Charles Fort is on the right and James Fort is on the left where the chart says '26MT'. The town of Kinsale is top center of the picture (north side). |
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| In relation to the town, Charles Fort is the orange blob on the bottom right and James Fort is on the left on the peninsula that looks like a thumb |
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| The overview of Charles Fort |
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| Representing Salty Dawg Sailing Association at James Fort |
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| The entrance (closed) to James Fort. Irish hillside in background |
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| View of Kinsale from James Fort |
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| Kala checking out the views. |
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| The Quarters at Charles Fort - you can see how large this fort is (as it continues in the background) compared to James Fort |
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| Sailing out of Kinsale Harbor as seen from Charles Fort |
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| The bridge over the mote at Charles Fort |
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| Republic of Ireland - not British anymore |
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| View looking out of Kinsale Harbor from second floor of exhibition hall at Charles Fort |
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| The grounds at Charles Fort |
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| View from the blast wall at Charles Fort, which was just a wall of concrete set next to the magazine to protect the quarters and the rest of the grounds if there was an explosion or if the fort was penetrated by enemies |
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| The stables at Charles Fort |
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| The lighthouse at Charles Fort |
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| The mechanics of the light |
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| The details of the lighthouse |
4 comments:
How about Fort Kala? HA!
Hey guys! was just listening to this and thought of you! hope all is well! Anika and David from Lisken :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hDRdwZZpo4
That is a great version!! Thanks for sending. Where are you guys? Hope you’re having a great time.
As it should be :)
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