Council plans to transform historic Cork city fort after handover from State

The State will hand the keys of a historic 17th century fort over to a city today which plans to transform it into one of the country’s top tourist attractions.

Brian Hayes, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), will transfer ownership of Elizabeth Fort, originally built in 1603 in the heart of Cork City, to the city council, which aims to have its ramparts open to the public by the end of next month.

It is hoped the fort on Barrack Street, one of the finest existing examples of a 17th century star fort, will host public, theatrical and musical performances.