Military Buildings

Elizabeth Fort

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Elizabeth Fort was constructed on a limestone outcrop overlooking the medieval walled city in 1601 by Sir George Carew, the then president of Munster during the reign of Elizabeth I. It was used as an army base for the protection of the city.

The fort was demolished by the citizens of Cork in 1603 but they were compelled to rebuild it at their own expense. It was replaced in 1624 by a stronger fort which had the same basic outline as that which survives today. It is reputed that improvements were also made by Cromwell 1649. It was used in 1690 by Williamite forces besieging the city and a cannonball fired from the Fort at the old tower of St. Fin Barre’s was found during the 19th century rebuilding by Burges and can b eseen hanging in the new Cathedral.

The fort is entered from Fort St through the east wall which has an arched opening with a square limestone surround. The east wall’s limestone ramparts and corner bastions survive much as they were built in the early 17th century.

In 1835 the Fort was used as a female prison then as a military base and finally as a police barracks. In August 1922 during the civil war the barrack buildings were destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the present form. It is currently in use as Gárda station and comes under the remit of the Office of Public Works.

The site is highly significant in relation to the military and social history of Cork and boasts an exceptional view of the city from the ramparts and from the recently constructed timber viewing gallery along the north side of the courtyard.

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