Fort Dunree Military Museum
Buncrana, Inishowen, Co.Donegal
Tel: +35374 9361817
Fort Dunree Military Museum is situated at the mouth of Lough Swilly which
proves to be an advantage to those who appreciate unique and breath-taking scenery.
The Museum houses an enthralling display of military memorabilia and artefacts, as
well as an array of original guns ranging from nine to 42 pounds in shell size.
Near a spot where Wolfe Tone was brought ashore in 1798, a small fort was erected to
guard against the possible return of a French invasion fleet. In the late 19th century this fort was
modernised and during the First World War it stood guard while Admiral Lord Jellicoe's Grand Fleet berthed
in Lough Swilly prior to engaging in the Battle of Jutland. Like the other British naval installations
in Ireland, Fort Dunree was transferred to the Irish Governor in 1938 and during the Second World
War, Irish forces were based there to prevent the navies of warring nations from violating the
country's neutrality.
Fort Dunree Military Museum was opened in 1986 by Mr Patrick Hilary, the Irish president at
the time, and has since attracted tourists from all over the world. Using the latest technology, the
history of the fort is fully explained and re-created in vibrant displays. The underground bunkers add
meaning and insight into the day to day operation of the Fort. This spectacular location is rich in wildlife,
some of it unique to the area, and this is portrayed in the beautiful Wildlife Exhibition in the Old
Fort Hospital.
