Popular Cork tourist attraction to reopen in April

Cork County Council has announced the reopening of Crosshaven’s Camden Fort Meagher, a year after it closed to facilitate essential repair work to safeguard its structural integrity.

For almost 400 years, Camden Fort Meagher was a key part of the defence of Ireland, the west coast of England and Wales.

More than half of the fort is located underground in a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, and recently completed specialist restoration works included the excavation, waterproofing and backfilling of barrel-vaulted roofs.

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

To coincide with the fort’s reopening, Cork County Council has announced it will sponsor jerseys for Crosshaven GAA Club’s newly established girls’ football teams, providing two sets of jerseys with the Camden Fort Meagher logo displayed on the front.

At the sponsorship event for the Crosshaven Girls’ Football team, Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor Frank O’Flynn welcomed the establishment of the girls’ football teams.

“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,” he said.

“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.” 

A new on-site ticket office and gift shop has been added to the visitor experience, which includes guided tours of the fort as well as a café with breathtaking views of Cork Harbour from its balcony.

Camden Fort Meagher will reopen on Saturday, April 27, staying open for an extended season from April to October.