Restoration works complete at Camden Fort Meagher

By Ellen O'Brien

One of Cork’s historic forts is set to reopen at the end of the month.

Cork County Council has announced that the long-awaited reopening of Camden Fort Meagher will happen on Saturday 27 April.

The fort was closed for the 2023 season so that essential repair work could be completed. The work included the excavation, waterproofing and backfilling of barrel-vaulted roofs.

Traditional methods for stone-cleaning and re-pointing of the stonework with lime mortar were used to safeguard the integrity of the original structure. This restoration project has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2024.

For almost 400 years the fort was used as a strategic position for the defence of Ireland, the west coast of England and Wales. 65% of the fort is located underground in a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers.

To coincide with the reopening, Cork County Council has sponsored jerseys for Crosshaven’s GAA Club’s newly established girls football team.

The two sets of jerseys will have the Camden Fort Meagher logo on the front.

Speaking at the sponsorship event, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Frank O’Flynn said: “These are exciting times for Crosshaven. The establishment of Crosshaven GAA Club’s first girls football teams is a huge positive for the area. The advantages of sport cannot be emphasised enough, we are delighted that the girls’ teams will wear the Camden Fort Meagher logo as it nears its reopening date.”

“The extensive restoration works that have taken place during the fort’s closure to the public, will ensure that the fort will be enjoyed and survive for generations to come,” added the county mayor.

There will also be new facilities available at the fort when it re-opens.

These include a new on-site ticket office, gift shop, guided tours of the fort and a café with views of Cork Harbour.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council Valerie O’Sullivan took the opportunity to praise the previous and future work of the volunteers on-site.

“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the volunteers back on site and to thank them for their amazing work in the past.

“Their dedication and passion continue to prove invaluable as we work together to preserve and promote this historical site for generations to come,” she added.

Camden Fort Meagher will reopen on 27 April and will remain open for an extended season until October.

To keep up to date with information about the fort the public can visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.