James Fort

James Fort lies on the Castlepark peninsula, south of the town of Kinsale, in County Cork in Ireland.

Construction work on James Fort began in 1602, under the supervision of engineer Paul Ive, following the Battle of Kinsale. It was completed in 1604 at a cost of £645. It is a pentagonal bastioned fort and is enclosed by a rampart of earth and sod with a parapet. The outer defenses include a ditch and counter scarp, and a covered way on the northeast side leading to a water battery at the shore. The entrance is situated in the southern curtain wall. In 1611 the fort's defenses were augmented with the construction of a stone inner fort, a gatehouse and a drawbridge. The stone inner fort probably incorporates remains of a small medieval tower, which stood here before the fort was built.

In 1649 James Fort was captured by Cromwell and supporters without a struggle. In 1667 further work on the defenses were undertaken.

In 1689, James II landed in Kinsale with French support in an attempt to regain the throne. His forces took control over James Fort and Charles Fort on the opposite shore of the estuary. In 1690 both forts were therefore attacked by Williamite forces under command of the Duke of Würtemburg, and John Churchill, later 1st Duke of Marlborough. James Fort surrendered. Colonel O'Driscoll had held the fort for King James II.

A very nice fort in beautiful surroundings. The outer earthen fort is freely accessible. The inner stone fort can be visited but was closed when I came by. Ringrone Castle is nearby and Charles Fort is on the opposite shore.

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