Fort Dunree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Dunree |
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| Inishowen peninsula Ireland |
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Dunree Fort, 2015
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 Fort Dunree
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| Coordinates | 55°11′48″N 7°33′11″W / 55.196739°N 7.553042°W |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Complete |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1812-13 (c) |
| In use | Museum |
| Materials | Stone |
Fort Dunree (Irish: An Dún Riabhach, meaning Grey Fort or Dún Fhraoigh meaning "Fort of Heather") is a coastal defence fort. It is located on the west side of the Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland.
Contents
The Story of Fort Dunree
Building the Fort
Fort Dunree sits on a rocky point that sticks out into the sea. It was first built around 1812-1813. This was during the Napoleonic Wars, a time when France and its allies fought against many European countries. The fort was part of a group of defenses. These forts were built to protect Lough Swilly, a large sea inlet, from enemy ships. Another fort, Knockalla Fort, was built across the lough.
After the wars ended in 1815, the fort was not used much. But in 1874, it was armed again. It received seven large cannons called 24 Pounder guns.
Fort Upgrades and Cannons
In 1895, the fort was changed and made stronger. It got two 4.7-inch (120 mm) quick-firing guns. Later, it also received 12-pounder (5 kg) quick-firing guns. Two even bigger 6-inch (152 mm) guns were placed in an upper area. This upper area was like a land battery.
The very top of a hill near the fort was also walled in. This created a strong, protected area called a redoubt. Both 6-inch guns were ready to fire during World War I.
Fort Dunree and the Treaty Ports
What Were Treaty Ports?
On December 6, 1921, an important agreement was made. It was called the Anglo Irish Treaty. This treaty led to the creation of the Irish Free State on December 6, 1922. The treaty said that Britain would keep control of three important ports. These were known as the Treaty Ports. Fort Dunree, located at Lough Swilly, was one of them.
The treaty stated:
Lough Swilly
(d) Harbour defences to remain in charge of British care and maintenance parties.
This meant that even after Ireland became independent, the British Navy stayed at Fort Dunree. They kept control of it to protect the harbour.
Handover to Ireland
Fort Dunree remained under British control until October 3, 1938. On that day, it was given back to Ireland. This happened because of another agreement made in April 1938.
The Times newspaper reported on the handover. It described the event at Fort Dunree on October 3, 1938:
FORTS HANDED OVER TO EIRE - Britain's last forts in Eire, those on the gale-swept Lough Swilly at Dunree and Leenan, were surrendered to the Eire Defence Forces yesterday. The ceremony at Dunree was witnessed by only a dozen spectators. The Union Jack, was hauled down by two Royal Artillery N.C.O.s and the Eire green, white, and orange flag was run up by two N.C.O.s of the Coastal Artillery Defence Force. The ceremony was brought forward from October 26, the date originally fixed under the Anglo-Irish Pact, on account of the international situation. When the British troops left last evening en route for Shoeburyness, their new headquarters, they were given a cordial send off. By a coincidence Sergeant O'Flynn, of the Royal Artillery, who hauled down the Union Jack, and Sergeant McLaughlin, of the Eire force, who hoisted the tricolour, are brothers-in-law.
It was a special moment because two brothers-in-law were part of the ceremony. One lowered the British flag, and the other raised the Irish flag. This marked the end of a long time of British military presence in Ireland. It was also the last time any land was given back to Ireland.
The Irish Army used the guns at Fort Dunree. They continued to use the fort for training until 1990.
Fort Dunree Today: A Museum
What to See at the Fort
Today, Fort Dunree is a military museum. It has many interesting displays. You can see restored guns, like the BL 6 inch Mk VII naval gun. There is also an old military camp to explore.
The museum also teaches visitors about nature. You can learn about the local birds and marine life. There are also displays about the plants that grow along the coast.
Visitor Facilities
Fort Dunree has other things for visitors to enjoy. There is a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. An auditorium hosts presentations and events. You can also grab a bite to eat at the café. There are lovely trail walks around the fort for you to explore the beautiful scenery.
