Survey Data
Reg No
20908790
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social, Technical
Previous Name
Fort Carlisle
Original Use
Fortification
Date
1790 - 1810
Coordinates
182076, 62513
Date Recorded
20/10/2008
Date Updated
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Description
Irregular-plan fortification, built c. 1800, comprising semi-circular projection to west elevation, flanked by irregularly curved ramparts terminating in demi-bastions to north-east and south-east, with ramparts continuing to form bastion to east elevation. Incorporating fabric of earlier buildings and various later additions and repairs. Roughly dressed sandstone walls with limestone string courses and dressings to openings. Some red brick additions and repairs. Remains of various buildings to site. Enclosed deep fosse constructed c. 1870.
Appraisal
Named in honour of the Earl of Carlisle, who was appointed Lord Lieutenant in 1870, Carlisle Fort was renamed Fort Davis when it was returned to the Irish government along with the other Treaty Ports in 1938. Built on the site of the earlier Corkbeg Fort, Carlisle Fort was designed to operate in conjunction with Camden Fort, set on a mirroring promontory across the harbour mouth. Captain John Brown of the Corps of Irish Engineers drew up plans for the works at Carlisle, which incorporating some existing fabric. The strategic importance of the harbour can be seen in the number of military buildings constructed throughout the century at this site, Fort Meagher, Spike Island, Haulbowline, etc. The 1870s saw improvement works at the site, with the construction of the deep fosse enclosing the fort, and the construction of many new buildings.