Heritage Sites Visit one of the many heritage sites scattered along the South West coast of the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork and Kerry. These sites are of significant importance and part of Ireland’s cultural heritage. Charles Fort Charles Fort is a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. William Robinson, Architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort. As one of the largest military installations in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of these are the Williamite War 1689-91 and
an exact date is not available. It is
the boat operators impose a separate
extremely well preserved and several
charge in respect of the boat journey
archaeological artefacts are to be
to and from the island.
found on the grounds of the Oratory. In close proximity is Gallarus Castle
Desmond Castle
which was built by the FitzGeralds
Desmond Castle was built by the Earl
and is probably 15th century in date.
of Desmond c. 1500. A fine example
It is one of the few surviving castles
of an urban tower house, the castle
on the Dingle peninsula. The four-
consists of a three storey keep with
storey tower has a vaulted ceiling
storehouses to the rear. Originally
on the fourth floor, and none of its
built as a Customs house, the castle
battlements remain.
also served as a prison in the 18th
Ilnacullin (Garnish Island)
century (it is known locally as the French Prison) an ordnance store
Located in the sheltered harbour of
during the Battle of Kinsale (1601)
Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, Ilnacullin
and as a workhouse during the
is a small island of 15 hectares (37
Great Famine. By the early decades
designed by Paul Ive in 1602.
acres) known to horticulturists and
of the 20th Century Desmond
lovers of trees and shrubs all around
castle had fallen into decay. It was
Gallarus Castle & Oratory
the world as an island garden of rare
declared a National Monument in
beauty. The gardens of Ilnacullin
1938. Today Desmond Castle hosts
owe their existence to the creative
the International Museum of Wine
partnership, some eighty years ago,
Exhibition, an intriguing story that
of Annan Bryce, then owner of the
documents the unique history of
island and Harold Peto, architect and
Ireland’s wine links with Europe and
garden designer. Access to the Island
the wider world.
the Civil War 1922-23. Charles Fort was declared a National Monument in 1973. Across the estuary is James Fort
One of the most famous landmarks on the Dingle Peninsula and situated close to Gallarus Castle. The Oratory is completely made of stone and in some way it resembles an upturned boat. Various dates have been suggested for its construction but
Go Wild Magazine - Summer Edition 2017
is by small ferry boats and licensed 60 seater water buses. Please note that
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For more see www.heritageisland.ie www.gowildmagazine.com
