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Donegal Accommodation -
The Guns of Dunree
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Fort Dunree, Dun Fhraoigh in Irish means, “Fort of
the Heather” and indicates that this site has been an important defensive
site down through history. Today however, its stunning natural beauty and
abundant wildlife are drawing increasing numbers of visitors to one of
Inishowen’s most beautiful and peaceful locations.
Fort Dunree was first opened to the public in 1986 and has attracted
tourists from all over the world ever since. It is a must see for every
visitor to the Inishowen peninsula.
t: 00 353 74 9361817 |
History
During World War II Irish forces were stationed at
Fort Dunree to prevent
the warring nations violating the country’s neutrality. Lough Swilly has
long been of immense historical significance. The Norsemen and later the
Anglo-Normans and the mercenary soldiers, the Galloglasses used the Swilly
when coming to Ireland. The Flight of the Earls, O’Neill and O’Donnell
into exile took place from
Rathmullan in September 1607. Wolfe Tone was
taken under naval arrest into
Buncrana in 1798 and In more recent times
during World War I, the Grand Fleet sheltered in the Lough. Near to the
spot where Wolfe Tone was brought ashore in 1798 a small fort was erected
to guard against the possible return of a French invasion fleet. In the
late 19th Century the fort was modernised and enlarged with the building
of the, ‘Top Fort’ on Dunree Hill. During World War I it stood guard
whilst Admiral Lord Jellicoe’s fleet anchored in Lough Swilly prior to
engaging the German Navy at the Battle of Jutland. Control of the fort was
transferred to the Irish Free State just before World War II. Today
Fort
Dunree houses a fascinating display of military memorabilia and artefacts
as well as an array of large guns from the 20th Century.
Wildlife
In its spectacular natural location Fort Dunree is rich in wildlife, some
of it unique to the area. This is detailed in a beautiful wildlife
exhibition in the Saldanha Suite. There are 3 main types of habitat around
Fort Dunree, the open sea, the coast and the blanket bog that covers the
hills and exposed cliff tops. Bird life is particularly prolific with a
wide range of species nesting and feeding in habitats provided by the
cliffs, coastal heath, shrubs and even abandoned buildings. Some species,
such as the Chough are becoming increasingly rare in Ireland and Dunree
Point is fortunate in having a number of resident nesting pairs.
Beyond the spectacular sea cliffs which surround
Fort Dunree
Military Museum, the waters
of Lough Swilly are rich in marine life. Bottle Nosed Dolphins are
sometimes seen in large numbers. Otters normally more associated with
rivers than the sea can also be seen hunting fish and crabs below the
cliffs. The field of Sea Algaes and seashore plants is too wide to be
mentioned here except for the Thrift or Sea Pink that blooms in purple
pink cushions from clefts in the bare rock in early summer.
Cross Leaved Heath, Ling and Bell Heather bloom in late summer in the
Atlantic blanket bog which surrounds the site. More information on the
wildlife of Fort Dunree and Inishowen can be found by visiting the
wildlife discovery room in the Saldanha Suite. Here you will find displays
relating to all types of habitat found in the Inishowen Peninsula along
with photographs, specimens and more detail on individual species.
Accommodation near Dunree
Buncrana Holiday Homes
Clonmany Holiday Homes
Hotels in Buncrana
Buncrana Bed and Breakfast
Clonmany Bed and Breakfast
Other Donegal Museums
Inishowen Maritime Museum
Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Centre
Doagh Island Famine Village
Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre Rathmullan
Donegal County Museum Letterkenny
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information about Donegal
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