Built as Kinsale's customs house around 1500 by Maurice FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Desmond, the castle later became a naval prison known as the 'French Prison' for the French and Spanish captives held there, 54 of whom died in an 1747 fire. It now houses the International Museum of Wine, telling the story of Ireland's 'Wine Geese'.
Visiting Desmond Castle (Kinsale)
Yes — Heritage Ireland managed, seasonal opening hours.
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Castlemartyr Resort, 39.73 km away in Castlemartyr — The original Castlemartyr castle was built in 1210 by the Knights Templar and later owned by Sir Walter Raleigh and Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork; a 17th-century manor house was built by the Boyle family adjacent to the castle ruin, and that manor is the resort's hotel building.
Castlemartyr Resort
Castlemartyr, Co. Cork · 5-star / luxury
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