The Museum

Fort Dunree Military Museum was first opened to the public in 1986 and attracts visitors and scholars from all over the world. Using the latest DVD and interactive technology the unique history and present role of Fort Dunree is fully explained and recreated in vibrant and colourful displays.

A visit to Fort Dunree will include a video film presentation in the audio-visual theatre, access to museum displays which fully demonstrate life at Fort Dunree, showing its vital role in coastal defence, neutrality protection and a range of coastal artillery.

The underground bunkers also house a collection of artefacts that give meaning and insight into the day to day operation of the Fort.

The Saldanha Suite

The Saldanha Suite currently is home to the fascinating, “Rockhill Collection”. This exhibition represents a portion of an extensive private collection of military memorabilia belonging to Jackie Keenan and Jim Gallagher who have placed it on loan to Fort Dunree Military Museum. The exhibition is the result of many years of collection and it displays numerous items of memorabilia belonging to the Defence Forces at home and abroad. It also contains examples of military equipment, uniforms and rank insignia of other nations who have served alongside Irish soldiers on UN, EU, ECMM and NATO led missions.

The Saldanha Suite also houses a Wildlife Discovery Room, it hosts yoga classes, art exhibitions, and has space to hire for private functions including weddings.

Fort Dunree, Dun Fhraoigh in Irish means, “Fort of the Heather.” The location of the 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.

It is a must see for every visitor to the Inishowen peninsula, Fort Dunree has one of the best collections of coastal artillery in the world.

SCENIC WALKS

Walk 1 is the most effortless of the three walks but it is certainly no less spectacular. One of the highlights of this walk is the opportunity to observe the incredible bird life along the cliff tops. Fulmars soar effortlessly above as they investigate stranger in their territory whilst Chough's circle and dive in energetic displays of ariel acrobatics. Two short off-shoots allow you access to stunning view points and there are seats in sheltered areas to spend time enjoying the peace as well as the scenery.

Walk 2 continues around the perimeter of the ‘Top Fort’ and allows you to explore the guns which are still in place. This is a good spot to appreciate the importance of Fort Dunree in defending Lough Swilly. Climbing the steps which form the start of the walk requires strong legs but the reward is the view which would be hard to match anywhere.

Walk 3 is the longest of the three walks. The path takes in the perimeter of the ‘Top Fort’ and provides spectacular views. In particular you have sight of Crummie’s bay one of Inishowen’s most beautiful and secluded beaches. On the distant skyline can be seen the ancient Grianan of Aileach, one of Ireland’s most important pre-historic forts.

Facilities include:

Scenic Walks
The Guns of Dunree Exhibition
The Wildlife Discovery Room
The Rockhill Collection
Shop
Cafe
Auditorium
Exhibition/Conference Space

Open All Year Round
Monday - Saturday from 10.30am - 6pm
Sunday from 1pm - 6pm

Admission:
Adults: €7 | Children: €4 Seniors: €4
Groups (10+) €3 each