Desmond Castle, Tower house and customs building in Kinsale, Ireland
The three-story stone tower house includes storehouses at the back and features architectural elements from the late medieval period in Ireland.
Maurice Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond, constructed this customs house around 1500 following King Henry VII's grant of customs rights to his family.
The castle houses a wine museum established in 1997 that documents the connections between Ireland and European wine merchants through centuries.
The castle remains closed throughout 2024 for essential conservation works to maintain its structural elements and historical features.
During its time as a naval prison in the 18th century, the castle held French and Spanish prisoners, leading to its local name, French Prison.
Location: Kinsale
Inception: 1500
GPS coordinates: 51.70750,-8.53056
Latest update: March 3, 2025 23:04
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