Duncannon Fort, Star fort with lighthouse on Hook Peninsula, County Wexford, Ireland.
Duncannon Fort is a star-shaped fortification on Hook Peninsula, built with bastions, ramparts, and underground passages. A lighthouse crowns the structure and overlooks part of Waterford Harbour.
The fort was built in 1587 by Queen Elizabeth I to defend against Spanish Armada threats. It later witnessed multiple sieges during the Irish Confederate Wars.
The fort is connected to the traditional Irish ballad 'The Croppy Boy', which tells of a young soldier and his fate. Visitors can sense the echoes of this story within the old walls.
The site is best explored during daylight hours when the fortification's structures and details are clearly visible. Wear sturdy footwear since pathways and underground areas can be uneven.
Although three bastioned forts exist in County Wexford, this is the only one open to the public. This makes it a rare window into the region's military architecture.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
