Why Fort Dunree is a must-see attraction on the Wild Atlantic Way

written by Rachel McLaughlin March 29, 2023

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If you’re looking for a great day out in Donegal, come and discover everything that Fort Dunree has to offer. The recently refurbished museum tells its story in 6 chronological chapters, there is also a wildlife discovery room, two new Virtual reality experiences, 3km of challenging and breathtaking walks and the Coffee cup to relax after all your exploring.

Fort Dunree is situated along the Lough Swilly shores just 7 miles north of Buncrana on the Inishowen Peninsula. Near to the spot where Wolfe Tone was brought ashore in 1798 a small fort was erected to guard and protect against the possible return of a French invasion Fleet. The fort was modernised and added to the building of the “Top Fort” in the 19th Century.

Fort Dunree -A Must see Attraction on the Wild Atlantic Way

Control of the Fort was transferred to the Irish Free State just before World War II. This story is told by the short film in the theatre as you enter across the Drawbridge.

In its natural spectacular setting, Fort Dunree is rich in wildlife, some of it unique to the area. A discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way. In recent years Pier facilities have been developed onsite so that Kayaking, snorkelling and coasteering can now be booked in association with Inish Adventures.

Let the virtual reality experiences take you back in time as Captain Packenhams “parrot” on Saldanha’s final journey. The HMS Saldanha and HMS Talbot took shelter during strong gales and heavy seas. The Saldanha sadly hit rocks and shipwrecked off the coast of Fanad with the loss of 274 men. It was due to this tragedy, that Fanad Lighthouse was built and opened in 1817.

The other Virtual Reality entitled ‘Beware! Convoy Below’ takes you back in time to the first World War era in the 1900s.

Both experiences are located in the Saldanha suite.