Cove Fort, County Cork facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cove Fort |
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| Near Cobh in Cork Harbour in Ireland | |
Plan and elevation of Cove Fort from a 1777 survey by Charles Vallancey
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 Cove Fort
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| Coordinates | 51°51′06″N 8°16′38″W / 51.8518°N 8.2771°W |
| Type | Coastal defence fortification |
| Area | 2.5 acres |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Partial |
| Primary uses | Land battery, barracks, military hospital |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1743 |
| In use | Until 19th century (as battery & barracks), 20th century (as hospital) |
Cove Fort is an old fort located east of Cobh in County Cork, Ireland. It was built as a coastal defence in 1743. This fort helped protect Cork Harbour from attacks by sea. It replaced older, temporary gun batteries that were used before.
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What Was Cove Fort?
Cove Fort was a special type of fort called a bastioned land battery. This means it had strong walls that stuck out, allowing soldiers to fire in many directions. Its main job was to guard the important shipping channel in Cork Harbour. It also protected the naval yards at Haulbowline.
Guns and Defenses
The fort had many guns facing the sea. These guns were placed on three levels, ready to fire at any enemy ships. The land-facing walls had special openings for muskets. These allowed soldiers to defend the fort from attacks on land.
In 1763, reports showed the fort had several large guns called 24-pounder long guns. These guns could fire heavy cannonballs. A later survey by Charles Vallancey noted that a small group of soldiers, from the Royal Irish Artillery, were stationed there. By 1811, the fort had more than 20 of these powerful 24-pounder guns.
Challenges and Improvements
Even with its strong design, the fort had some weaknesses. Reports from the late 1700s pointed out that higher ground behind the fort could overlook it. This meant enemies could potentially attack from above. Also, some planned land defenses were never built.
How Cove Fort Changed Over Time
In the 19th century, other forts around Cork Harbour were made much stronger. These included Fort Westmoreland on Spike Island, Fort Carlisle near Whitegate, and Fort Camden in Crosshaven.
From Battery to Hospital
After the Napoleonic Wars ended, Cove Fort's main role changed. It became a naval and military hospital. By the 1830s, the site was mostly used for medical care. While it still had some barracks for soldiers, it was no longer primarily a gun battery. The "Queenstown Military Hospital" stayed open until after World War I.
Cove Fort Today
Today, the area where Cove Fort once stood is still important. It now houses a Port of Cork operations building. This building helps manage ships coming in and out of the harbour. It also has a station for harbour pilots, who guide large ships safely.
Public Spaces and Memorials
Part of the fort's area is now a public park called Bishop Roche Park. It is also home to the Cobh Titanic Memorial Garden. This garden has a special glass structure. It is engraved with the names of the 123 passengers who boarded the RMS Titanic at Cobh. Cobh was the Titanic's last port of call before its famous voyage. From the memorial garden, you can see the exact spot where the Titanic last anchored. This spot is near Roche's Point at the mouth of the harbour.
