Grey Point Fort

About the museum

Grey Point Fort was built between 1904 and 1907 at Helen’s Bay to guard the entrance to Belfast Lough. It was armed with two six-inch breech-loading guns and was considered one of the best preserved early twentieth-century coastal forts in the British Isles. Extra buildings were added during the First World War to house soldiers, and in 1936 two searchlights were installed.

In the Second World War the battery was manned by a Territorial Army coast regiment, and concrete covers were built over the gun positions. Coast artillery was abolished in 1956 and the fort was disarmed. In the 1990s replacement guns of the same type were brought from forts in County Cork and fitted in the original positions. Today two guns remain, together with the original observation post and three searchlight positions.

The fort is a state care monument owned by the Department for Communities and has hosted a volunteer-run museum of military memorabilia and commemorative events. It is currently not open for regular visits and opens only on special days, such as the European Heritage Open Days.

Highlights

• Two 6-inch coastal guns in their original positions
• Original observation post
• Three searchlight positions
• View over the entrance to Belfast Lough

Permanent exhibition

• Coastal battery – The preserved 1907 battery with two 6-inch guns, the original observation post and three searchlight positions.

Founded

1904

Operated by

Department for Communities (Historic Environment Division)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is listed as free by Visit Ards and North Down, while the Department for Communities page says that charges may apply and refers to the Discover Northern Ireland listing.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The fort is described as accessible by Visit Ards and North Down, which refers visitors to the AccessAble guide for details.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car from the Belfast to Bangor A2 road, turn left onto Craigdarragh Road, signposted Helen’s Bay, and follow it for about 1.5 miles; then turn left onto the Grey Point road, which leads to The Fort road, and the fort is at the end. On foot, the North Down Coastal Path passes the fort, and Visit Ards and North Down suggests starting at the visitor centre in Crawfordsburn Country Park.

Amenities & dining

The fort has housed a volunteer-run museum of military memorabilia, including medals, uniforms, photographs and weapons.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.