Tánaiste backs major tourism plans for historic Camden Fort Meagher in Cork Harbour
Simon Harris was speaking at the official opening of a new exhibition space at Camden Fort Meagher — widely recognised as one of the finest remaining examples of a classical coastal artillery fort in the world — which has become an award-winning visitor site since it was reclaimed by community volunteers in 2010. This triggered a massive restoration involving extensive collaboration between the community, Cork County Council, and the government.
Mr Harris visited the fort in Crosshaven on Friday to officially open the latest phase of restoration: the casemate building with its striking barrel-vaulted roofs and display rooms. He praised the efforts of all involved in the restoration and regeneration work over the years.
'Camden Fort Meagher is a place of national historical significance and a powerful symbol of Ireland's military and maritime heritage,' he said.
'It has been transformed from a derelict stronghold to a fantastic visitor experience.
'I know Cork County Council is working on plans to further develop it, and we in government will continue to partner together with all those involved to further develop the facility.'
Fortifications were first built on the site in 1550, with upgrades in the late 1700s and 1800s to support the naval defence of Cork Harbour. Approximately two-thirds of the structure are located underground in a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers.
It was handed back to the state in 1938 and remained an Irish military installation until it was transferred to the county council in 1989.
The fort was overgrown in 2010 when local community volunteers began reclaiming and restoring it, spearheading its transformation in phases as funding allowed.
The fort closed for extensive restoration during 2023 and 2024, focusing on protecting and conserving the casemate building, which houses the fort's main tourist exhibitions.
The work was funded through significant investment by Cork County Council, supported by the government through the Historic Structures Fund and Community Monuments Fund.
Nicola Radley, Director of Service, Cork County Council; Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Hildegarde Naughton TD; Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities and with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD; Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD; Cllr Ben Dalton O'Sullivan, Deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, and Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moria Murrell, pictured with elected representatives, volunteers, and other guests, as Cork County Council has officially opened new tourist display rooms at Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan
Last October, the council and Costello Masonry Conservation Ltd won first prize for the specialist work at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards.
The casemate block has now been fully commissioned with new exhibitions telling the story of the fort's history, reclamation, and restoration.
Mr Harris said its restoration is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration between local communities and government.
Cllr Ben Dalton O'Sullivan, deputising for the county mayor, said the entire fort is of huge historical and architectural significance.
'For almost 400 years the fort played a key role as a strong strategic position for the defence of Ireland, the west coast of England and Wales. The fort's military and more recent history is told through these new displays and I hope they will inform and entertain,' he said.
Minister of State Jerry Buttimer described the fort project as a shining example of community spirit and strategic investment working hand in hand.
'The fort not only tells the story of our nation's past, but also embodies the power of local volunteers and the value of community-led regeneration,' he said.
Moira Murrell, the council's chief executive, said they have huge ambition for the fort, but state funding is important to ensure projects of scale are delivered.
'The fort has the potential to be a significant economic driver for Crosshaven and the wider harbour area,' she said.
'We look forward to working with both Fáilte Ireland and government departments to identify funding opportunities to allow Camden Fort Meagher and the wider community to reach its full economic and tourism potential."
Camden Fort Meagher is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, and on Bank Holiday Mondays between April and October. It will open seven days a week during July and August.
See www.corkcoco.ie for details.
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