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Desmond Castle Frommer's Highly Recommended

Hours Mid-Apr to mid-June Tues-Sun 10am-6pm; mid-June to Oct daily 10am-6pm. Last admission 45 min. before closing
Location Cork St
Phone 021/477-4855
Prices Admission €2.75 ($3.60) adults, €2 ($2.60) seniors and students, €1.25 ($1.65) children, €7 ($9.10) families
Season Closed mid-Oct to mid-Apr

Frommer's Review

Built around 1500 as a customhouse by the earl of Desmond, this tower house has a dark history: Spanish troops occupied it during the battle of 1601, and the British later used it as a prison for captured American sailors during the War of Independence. Locally, it's known as "French Prison" because French prisoners were kept here during the mid-18th century. In a horrible accident, 54 French prisoners died here in a fire in 1747. During the Great Famine, the building was used as a workhouse for the starving populace. Now, in more peaceful times, the castle is at last benign. Today it is the home of the International Museum of Wine, celebrating the Irish emigrants who colonized the wine trade throughout the world after being forced to leave their own shores.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Home > Destinations > Europe > Ireland > Cork > Kinsale > Attractions > Desmond Castle

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The "baseline" recommendation is zero stars--every hotel, restaurant, attraction, shop, and nightlife establishment that Frommer's chooses to review is recommended; otherwise, we simply wouldn't include it.

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