Survey Data
Reg No
20908778
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social, Technical
Previous Name
Fort Carlisle
Original Use
Fortification
Date
1860 - 1880
Coordinates
181824, 62538
Date Recorded
20/10/2008
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Group of fortifications, built c. 1870, now derelict. Comprising mass concrete single-bay four-storey entrance block with integral carriage arch, rectangular openings and gun loops, flanked by mass concrete walls. Pier, remains of boathouse and section of cobble paving to north. Multiple-bay single-storey barrack building to south, having red brick rendered walls, and camber-, round- and square-headed openings. Batteries, casemated gun emplacements and various chambers located to south.
Appraisal
Forming a pair with Fort Meagher (formerly Camden Fort) across the water, this pair was crucial to the harbour's defence. Mirroring each other in many ways, they were designed to operate as a single defensive unit and were contemporaneously updated and developed. The strategic importance of the harbour can be seen in the number of military buildings constructed throughout the centuries at this site, Fort Meagher, Spike Island, Haulbowline, etc. Cork Harbour, along with Lough Swilly and Berehaven remained in British control until 1938, at which time the Treaty Ports were returned to the Irish government. The early use of concrete adds to the site's architectural and technical interest.