Elizabeth Fort

Historic Building in Cork

Cork - Elizabeth Fort
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Vimalkvn

Elizabeth Fort is a 17th-century fort located near the center of Cork, originally built in 1601 by Sir George Carew and named after Queen Elizabeth I. Although it was demolished in 1603, it was later rebuilt, with most of the existing structure dating from 1624 to 1626.

Initially constructed on high ground outside the city, the fort was eventually encompassed by the expanding city. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including as military barracks, a prison, and a police station. Today, it functions as a popular tourist site.

Open to the public, Elizabeth Fort also serves as a venue for festivals and public events. Notable events held at the fort include the Cork Midsummer Festival, Cork Heritage Open Day, the Cork St. Patrick’s Festival, Culture Night, and Heritage Week.

Visitors can explore Elizabeth Fort from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission to the fort is free.


The Elizabeth Fort appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Cork!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Visiting Elizabeth Fort

Address: Elizabeth Fort, Barrack Street, The Lough, Cork, Ireland
Duration: 20 minutes

Nearby Attractions