British military groups approached to promote tourism in Cork

Cork County Council officials are involved in talks with 15 British military history groups in an effort to promote more visitors to the region.

County manager Martin Riordan believes they’re an untapped source of tourism revenue that Cork can cash in on with its large number of historic fortifications.

His comments have struck a positive note with heritage charity Fortress Study Group, which has more than 600 members around the world.

A number of the group recently visited fortifications in Ireland.

“In Cork, the Irish Army and Naval Service permitted us to visit Fort Davis, Lonehort Fort on Bere Island and Haulbowline,” FSG chairman Bill Clements said.

“We also visited Fort Mitchell and Fort Meagher /Camden and were particularly impressed by the work of the volunteers at each location under the supervision of Tom O’Neill and Paul Brierley, and with the support they have received from Cork County Council.”

Mr Clements said: “This is a form of co-operation that could be a model for the preservation of other fortifications both in Ireland and the UK.”

Mr Riordan, meanwhile, met with FSG members to discuss their visit.

“We (the council) see Cork as a very strong location for military history enthusiasts. We’re trying to market the idea that Cork is an ideal place to come to and see such things. We’re also marketing the harbour’s many attractions in terms of its history, leisure and recreation opportunities to such people and to people coming off cruise liners,” the county manager said.

He said the harbour was dotted with significant fortifications and they would be attractive to visitors if properly maintained.

The council has ambitious plans to turn Fort Mitchell on Spike Island into a major interpretive centre.

“We are pitching Cork strongly to the British market because there are a number of people there who have a very keen interest in military history,” Mr Riordan said.