One of the finest remaining examples of a classical coastal artillery fort is due to re-open to the public next month, following extensive remedial and restoration works.
Camden Fort Meagher, near Crosshaven in Cork harbour played a key role in the defence of Ireland, and the west coast of England and Wales, for almost 400 years.
It is part of a necklace of defensive fortifications along the southern coast.
The remedial works, which cost €480,000 (including funding of €160,000 from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage) included the excavation, waterproofing and backfilling of the barrel-vaulted roofs of the casemate block, which houses many of the fort's exhibitions.
The development of the fort is seen as central to Cork County Council's visitor attraction plans for Cork harbour which has the support of Fáilte Ireland.
The current artillery structure was built in the 1860s with 65% of it located underground in a labyrinth of tunnels and stores, many of which remain inaccessible.
Up to 500 members of the British Armed Forces and 30 officers, were stationed there during World War I.
The fort, along with other Treaty Port installations, was handed over to the Irish Defence Forces in 1938, and in turn to Cork County Council in 1989.
The re-opening of the fort on 27 April has been widely welcomed, especially by the volunteers who in 2010 launched a Rescue Camden campaign.
Volunteer Daniel Maverley said: "We could only take it so far as volunteers. The Council came in and they are upping the game, for want of a better word, and they are taking it to the next stage - they are taking it from two days up to five days a week, that's a huge step and it will benefit the local community and eventually, in the future, the harbour area."
As well as a commitment to hire 10 seasonal guides, a contractor is due to be appointed shortly to run the fort's cafe, all part of the Council's long-term commitment to the fort, Cork County Council Divisional Manager for South Cork, Michael Lynch said.
"We have learnt a lot from Spike Island on how to own and operate an international tourist destination and we would be very confident that people will enjoy it when they come to visit."
There are now plans to make the 45 acre site universally accessible at a cost of €750,000, subject to funding coming from Government departments.
"We are very conscious that this (fort) is (currently) for history buffs. We want to make it universally accessible to all ages, and even just to be able to come up here and have a walk around with your kids, it is a beautiful place," Michael Lynch said.
