A Walk around Camden Fort Meagher

My son and I went to Camden Fort Meagher last Saturday. Unfortunately we arrived late, at 1615, just in time to get in but with the fort closing at 1700 we had to hurry to see as much of it as we could. We had been there before but the fort is under constant repair and development. Some buildings that had been closed off and falling apart had roofs replaced, walls repaired and painted, doors hung properly, windows fixed and more. There were reenactments last weekend too which I wanted to see but I thought we were probably too late to see them.

There’s a lovely, simple war memorial garden near the main parade. This is new since the last time I was there.

The tunnel to the magazine can be reached by going down a few steps near the on-site cafe. It’s impressively long and moody. While shooting this photo we heard actual shots and shouting outside! Turns out there was a reenactment, and it was taking place just outside the tunnel. Unfortunately the sounds reverberated down the tunnel, scaring my son, and causing our ears to ring!

Shots rang out, an officer fell, the captive followed him, wounded before being dispatched.

The magazine was where the ammunition for the fort was stored. Behind me was a service tunnel of some sort. I could imagine the rows upon rows of shelves holding boxes of ordinance and arms.

Once out of the magazine you proceed around a corner to a spiral staircase. It’s well lit and a favourite of photographers! When I first visited the staircase had just been opened and one of the volunteers at the fort described how it had been dark and damp, and strewn with rubbish when they excavated it.

The Irish National Flag is lowered at the end of the day. Last Saturday, Thomas Francis Meagher, named after a famous man of the same name lowered the flag with his brother Cillian.

The fort commands a great view of Cork Harbour. Guns used to protect the passage way in there, but nowadays you’re more likely to find someone enjoying a cup of tea and some refreshments.

The Bright Tunnel descends 160 feet down the slope. There are 198 steps if memory serves. We didn’t have time to go down but there are the ruins of gun emplacements down below too and a nice walk around and up again.

As well as the fort website, you can find out much more about it on it’s Wikipedia page. I’ve previously posted photos of Camden Fort Meagher too. The fort is well worth a visit!

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	Canon EOS 6D
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/1.3s