Fort Shirley: A Caribbean Bastion of History
Discover Dominica's past at Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park: a historic fort with stunning views and a powerful story of resilience.
Explore Fort Shirley, a meticulously restored 18th-century British fort in Dominica's Cabrits National Park. Discover its role in colonial defense and the 1802 revolt of African slave soldiers, while enjoying panoramic views of Prince Rupert Bay.
A brief summary to Fort Shirley
- HGMG+7HV, Portsmouth, DM
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and enjoy quieter surroundings.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes due to the uneven terrain within the fort and surrounding trails.
- Bring water and snacks, as amenities within the park are limited.
- Consider a guided tour for a comprehensive understanding of the fort's history.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Portsmouth, local minibuses frequently travel towards Cabrits National Park. Look for buses marked 'Cabrits' or 'Douglas Bay' at the Portsmouth bus stop. The fare is typically EC$5-EC$10 per person. The bus will drop you off near the park entrance, from where it's a 15-20 minute walk uphill to Fort Shirley.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis are readily available in Portsmouth. A taxi ride to Cabrits National Park and Fort Shirley will take about 10-15 minutes. The cost is around EC$25-EC$30. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. From the park entrance, it's a short walk uphill to the fort.
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Walking
If you are already in Portsmouth and enjoy walking, you can walk to Cabrits National Park and Fort Shirley. From the center of Portsmouth, head north along the main road. The walk to the park entrance is approximately 30-40 minutes. Once inside the park, follow the signs uphill to Fort Shirley, which adds another 15-20 minutes of walking. Be prepared for some uphill sections.
Discover more about Fort Shirley
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel
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