Fort Dunree

EXPLORE A STRATEGIC, SEASIDE FORTRESS

Fort Dunree, or “Dun Fhraoigh” in Irish, has a storied past that you can discover by visiting this corner of Donegal.

The waterways from the North Atlantic Ocean into Lough Swilly (the nearby lake) have been used since the time of Norse explorers. A small fort was first built in the late 1700s to try to defend the area in case of a French invasion. It was then expanded through the years.

When the Irish Free State was established in 1922, a treaty was made so the British would keep sovereignty of a few ports, including Fort Dunree. Control was finally given over to the Irish in 1938.

Today, the main reason to visit this corner of the Inishowen peninsula is the stunning natural beauty and wildlife. You’ll have plenty to admire and photograph from this cliff-side location. It’s no wonder Fort Dunree is a Discovery Point on the famous Wild Atlantic Way route.