‘It has witnessed invasion, commerce, conflict and now community’ – historic Wexford fort reopens after extensive renovations

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

One of Co Wexford’s most historic heritage sites has been officially reopened to the public following extensive renovation works. Originally constructed in the late 16th century by Queen Elizabeth I, Duncannon Fort has been closed to visitors since 2015 with only select tours permitted to enter the premises under the supervision of Hook Tourism.

However, following funding of €500,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development with an additional €250,000 from Wexford County Council (WCC), a new reception area, community buildings, and accessible toilet facilities have been developed at the site. The bridge deck has also been replaced with the creation of a viewing platform area and accessible picnic tables, and there is upgraded signage, lighting and improvements to the original cobblestones.

According to Alan Fitzhenry, manager of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD), this is just the start of a series of works at Duncannon Fort.

“Our ambition is larger in scale as we seek to implement the Duncannon Fort Masterplan subject to significant further funding,” he said at the official reopening of the site.

Thanking the people of Duncannon for their “patience, help, and support”, Mr Fitzhenry welcomed special guest Rural Minister Dara Calleary TD to an event which saw local councillors, past and present, in attendance alongside Housing Minister James Browne and Senator Cathal Byrne.

“I'd been promised by Minister Browne that this is a very special place and it really is,” said Minister Calleary. “And this isn't just a place of history, it’s very much contemporary and something for the future as well. When you breathe in this extraordinary view, this extraordinary vista, the beautiful village that lies around this Fort, you see not just buildings, but a community.

"You see not just structures, but a living embodiment of the pride of this county and the pride of the people. And it could have been left here, it could have been left to wither on top of the sea, but Wexford County Council decided that wasn't going to be the case.”

Vowing to continue to work with WCC and the wider Duncannon community on the redevelopment of the Fort, Minister Calleary said the “level of craftsmanship and the attention to detail in the refurbishment reflects the ambition of those that built this fort a number of hundred years ago”.

"They identified this site as a defensive site, as something to protect the area. Now we have the structure not as defensive but as something to grow the area and to develop the area and as something that the community of this area now has a heart and now has a place to come and celebrate community events.”

Cathaoirleach of WCC, Councillor Joe Sullivan, said it was a privilege to witness the unveiling of this rejuvenated space and paid tribute to the contractors who had brought this vision to life.

“I would like to thank Gerard Keilthy of Keilthy Engineering, whose craftsmanship is evident in the stunning new gates and railings that now grace the Fort,” said Cllr Sullivan. “Your work has enhanced this site with respect for its historic character. I also wish to acknowledge the district staff and crew led by Director of Services Eamon Hore and Alan Fitzhenry. Your tireless work and dedication behind the scenes has been instrumental in bringing this complex project to completion. The quality of the finished result is a testament to your efforts.

“Duncannon Fort is more than just some historic building, it is a cornerstone of our local history. It has witnessed centuries of change and now thanks to collaboration it's ready to welcome future generations. This refurbishment is about keeping that history alive, ensuring that the stories held within these walls continue to inspire and be told for years to come.”

He was followed by the cathaoirleach of the NRMD, Cllr John Dwyer, who recalled a life spent visiting Duncannon Fort in the 60s, 70s, and 80s and expressed his hope that future generations would now get to experience the site anew.

“This is a community facility second to none. It has the potential to attract tourists in on its own right into Duncannon. You won't just come to see the beautiful scenery and the wonderful beach, you will come to see this Fort.”

Like Cllr Dwyer, Minister Browne had fond memories of the Fort and enjoying sunny afternoons there as a child. And while much of the praise was directed towards government bodies and officials, the Enniscorthy TD paid special tribute to the many in attendance who had willed this project into existence.

“I would like to priase the fantastic community here in Duncannon, I know how proud you are of your local community here and I look forward to securing even further funding for further preservation of our wonderful local heritage.”

Lastly, chief executive of WCC, Eddie Taaffe, referenced the efforts of a member of his staff who had worked quietly in the background from the outset.

“Eamonn Hore's knowledge and dedication to preserving the architecture and heritage and the history of Wexford is second to none,” he said. “Eamonn doesn't have to do the work he does to preserve our history, but he does it because he's a proud Wexford man.

"Duncannon Fort has stood watch over this county for centuries, it has witnessed invasion, commerce, conflict and now community. Today it begins a new chapter, not as a relic, but as a vibrant welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.”