
Oscar outside Camden Fort in Co Cork, August 2013.
Aperture | ƒ/8 |
Camera | Canon EOS 6D |
Focal length | 70mm |
ISO | 100 |
Shutter speed | 1/250s |
Aperture | ƒ/14 |
Camera | Canon EOS 40D |
Focal length | 10mm |
ISO | 400 |
Shutter speed | 1/400s |
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 |
This underground passage is the armoury at Camden Fort Meagher. The first time I visited the fort a few years ago this passage wasn’t open but Rescue Camden have done a great job restoring and cleaning out 21 years of overgrowth.
Next weekend there’s a reenactment and other festivities to mark the last weekend open to the public this year. See you there!
Fort Camden, Crosshaven in Co Cork. August 2011
Aperture | ƒ/16 |
Camera | Canon EOS 40D |
Focal length | 10mm |
ISO | 400 |
Shutter speed | 1/500s |
Camden Fort near Crosshaven in Co Cork was part of a photowalk last Sunday and we visited Spike Island on Saturday, it was great visiting such historical sites. We were so lucky with the weather as the rain stayed off and Camden Fort on Sunday was bathed in strong sunlight!
Both sites are still being developed. Camden Fort is manned by volunteers with a few people paid by FAS who helped clear 21 years of undergrowth and weeds. You should visit and talk to the volunteers as they’re so enthusiastic about the project and friendly you’ll spend quite a lot of time talking! Our trip to Spike Island was way too short and we all agreed that we didn’t have enough time to explore it fully.
More photos from the photowalk:
And I hope Denis posts some of his photos soon!
Aperture | ƒ/8 |
Camera | Canon EOS 40D |
Focal length | 10mm |
ISO | 100 |
Shutter speed | 1/125s |