KINSALE’S Desmond Castle would be ideal as an interpretive centre which could focus on the Battle of Kinsale, a councillor has suggested.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) raised the issue at a recent meeting of Bandon Kinsale Municipal District and said that as a municipal district they should write to the OPW (Office of Public Works) to ask that the building when repaired could be turned into an interpretative centre for the Battle of Kinsale in 1601.

‘It’s located right in the middle of Kinsale town and is an extremely historic building. It also has that historical gravitas to carry it off as an interpretative centre in the town centre,’ said Cllr Coleman.

‘We should be pushing that use for it as it would also benefit the tourism offering in Kinsale.’

Cllr Marie O’Sullivan (FG) concurred with his suggestion and said the building is quite good structurally but just needs a cosmetic touch up.

‘It’s great to see that the OPW are at last willing to engage with us too,’ said Cllr O’Sullivan who said she would refer it to the tourism spc (strategic policy committee).

Desmond Castle has been closed to the public since 2018 due to water damage but renovation works on the building, which was built in 1500, are set to begin later this year.

However, the work that needs to be done is extensive and will take a number of years to complete as there are water egress issues and some parts of the interior of the castle need work also.