Dunree Fort, Buncrana. Co. Donegal – 1798
Dunree Fort is situated near the mouth of Lough Swilly in an area of stunning natural beauty.


Fort Dunree by Air

Fort Dunree, Dun Fhraoigh in Irish means, “Fort of the Heather” and indicates that this site has been an important defensive site down through history. Today however, its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife are drawing increasing numbers of visitors to one of Inishowen’s most beautiful and peaceful locations.

 

 

 

Early Drawings of Fort Dunree 1800

 

Photography did not arrive until 1827 so the important images of earlier times were captured by artist like Captain Sir William Smith who was in the Royal Engineers he made sketches of his building work at different locations in Ireland. Graphite and Ink Washes was the method that he used to produce the drawings showed below of Fort Dunree during the early years.

 

Caption reads:- View of the fortifications at Dunree as erected for a temporary

expedient in 1800… as designed, built and drawn by Sir Wm Smith

 

 

 

Caption Reads :- View of Dunree Fort or Battery in 1800 (prior to the reform since made)

seen as looking away Lough Swilly to Knochallaw by Sir Wm Smith 1800.

 

 

 

Fort Dunree was first opened to the public in 1986 and has attracted tourists from all over the world ever since. It is a must see for every visitor to the Inishowen peninsula.

 

Fort Dunree, located on the west side of the Inishowen peninsula, Ireland, is a Napoleonic period fort built by the Royal Navy. The fort is located on a rocky promontory accessed over a natural fissure.

 

 

It was remodelled in 1895 to have 2 x 4.7 inch (119 mm) QF guns below, and later 12 pounder (5 kg) QF and 2 x 6 inch (152 mm) guns in a battery above. The top of a hill overlooking the site was walled in to form a redoubt.

 

Because of its strategic importance protecting the entrance to the deep waters of Lough Swilly, control of Dunree was retained by Britain after independence was only granted to the Irish Republic in 1936

 

The fort was part of the Treaty Ports which remained under UK control under 1938, when they were handed over to the Irish Government. They were manned by the Irish Army until decommissioned following World War II.

 

 

 

Aerial Photograph of Fort Dunree

 

 

The fort is now a military museum with detailed exhibitions, many restored guns such as BL 6 inch Mk VII naval gun and an old military camp. There are also displays about the area birds, marine life and coastal vegetation.

 

The Fort Dunree heritage museum complex was originally opened to the public in 1986, and has provided interest for the tourists of all ages ever since. It has also been a source of great pleasure and reminiscence for those of a military background, whether having served at the post or just been involved in its military history.

The Fort stood guard during World War 1 whilst Admiral Lord Jellicoe’s fleet anchored in Lough Swilly prior to engaging the German Navy at the Battle of Jutland. Control of Fort Dunree was transferred to the Irish Free State just before World War 2 and Irish forces were stationed here to prevent the states at war violating the country’s neutrality

 

Visit the Fort Dunree Museum website by clicking HERE

 

 

 

Carndonagh Amateur Radio Club QSL Card

This card will be used to confirm the radio contact during the Museum weekend

Front of the card


Back of the card

 

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