Fort Dunree

About the museum

Fort Dunree stands on the western shore of Lough Swilly on the Inishowen peninsula, a sea inlet that has been important for centuries: the Flight of the Earls left from nearby Rathmullan in 1607, and Wolfe Tone was brought ashore at Buncrana as a prisoner in 1798. A small fort was built close to that spot to guard against a possible return of a French invasion fleet.

In the late nineteenth century the fort was modernised and extended with the Top Fort on Dunree Hill. During the First World War it guarded the Grand Fleet, which sheltered in the lough before the Battle of Jutland. After the Irish Free State was founded in 1922, Britain kept control of three strategic ports under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, so the Royal Navy remained at Dunree until the site was handed over to Ireland on 3 October 1938.

The fort opened to the public as a military museum in 1986. A video presentation in the audio-visual theatre introduces the history, and displays explain coastal defence, Irish neutrality and the artillery used here. Underground bunkers hold artefacts showing everyday life at the fort. The Saldanha Suite houses the Rockhill Collection of Defence Forces memorabilia and military equipment from international missions, and a remembrance garden commemorates those from Inishowen and Ireland who died in the First World War and later wars.

Highlights

• Coastal artillery and underground bunkers
• Audio-visual presentation on the history of the fort
• Rockhill Collection of Defence Forces memorabilia in the Saldanha Suite
• Remembrance garden of the Inishowen Friends of Messines
• Views over Lough Swilly, walking trails and café

Permanent exhibitions

• Fort Dunree Military Museum – Displays on the fort’s role in coastal defence and neutrality protection, with coastal artillery, a video presentation and underground bunkers holding everyday artefacts.
• The Saldanha Suite – Rockhill Collection – A collection of Defence Forces memorabilia, uniforms, rank insignia and equipment, including items from soldiers of other nations who served alongside Irish troops on UN, EU and NATO-led missions.

Founded

1986

Admission & discounts

Schools receive a special group rate, and supervising teachers or assistants are admitted free of charge. Euro, sterling and major cards are accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchair and pushchair access is only partial and some areas are not accessible. An accessible toilet is available.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

By car the fort is about 26 miles (45 minutes) from City of Derry Airport, 32 miles (50 minutes) from Letterkenny and 68 miles (1 hour 45 minutes) from Donegal Airport. It is signposted from about five miles away.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The fort has a coffee shop with views over the lough, open the same hours as the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The fort lists a venue hire option; details are given on its website.

Plan your visit