Dunree Fort, One of a number of fortifications along Lough Swilly in Co Donegal. This one open to the public. The site of an early temporary gun battery from c.1798 in the Napoleonic Wars, some of its cannon came from the French ship La Hoche, captured in October 1798 following engagement with a British Squadron at the mouth of the Lough. Wolfe Tone, one of the leaders of the United Irishmen's rebellion, was also on the ship and captured. A permanent fortification was approved in 1805 and a date stone of 1812 is carved over the entrance door. The fort was modified in 1847 to allow larger more modern guns (two 5.5 inch howitzers) to be installed . It's 'Martello tower' was demolished in 1900 as it obstructed the field of fire from new fortifications on top of the nearby hill. The site, along with other fortifications on the Lough continued as a British naval base even after the partition of Ireland in 1922 due to its perceived importance should naval conflict ever resume. Three 'treaty ports', Lough Swilly, Berehaven Co Cork and Spike Island (near Cobh) Co.Cork were held by Britain until 1938. When war resumed a year later they were not handed back. The site was occupied by the Irish military until the 1980's. Today it remains a dramatic fortification, particularly when seen, as here, from the pier below. The museum is good, but so also is the walk to the top of the nearby fortified hill among former military cabins, full of atmosphere, as they slowly decay back into the earth.
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