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Fort Shirley: A Caribbean Bastion of History

Step back in time at Fort Shirley in Dominica, a beautifully restored 18th-century fort offering history and stunning Caribbean views.

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Explore Fort Shirley, a historic 18th-century British fort in Dominica's Cabrits National Park. Wander through the well-preserved ruins, imagining life as a soldier while enjoying panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Dominica's lush landscape.

A brief summary to Fort Shirley

  • HGMG+7HV, Portsmouth, DM

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and to enjoy the site in a quieter setting.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for a more comprehensive understanding of the fort's history.
  • Check the schedule for special events or reenactments at the fort.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Portsmouth, Fort Shirley is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head north along the waterfront, following the main road. Look for signs directing you to Cabrits National Park and Fort Shirley. The path is mostly uphill and can be uneven in places, so wear comfortable shoes. There is a EC$13 or US$5 entrance fee to enter Cabrits National Park, which includes access to Fort Shirley.

  • Public Transport

    Local minibuses frequently operate between Portsmouth and 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 entrance to Cabrits National Park, from where you can walk to Fort Shirley. The walk from the park entrance to the fort is uphill and takes about 15-20 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From central Portsmouth, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride to Fort Shirley, located within Cabrits National Park, typically costs around EC$25-EC$30. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. The ride is short, approximately 10-15 minutes, taking you directly to the park entrance. From there, it's a short walk uphill to the fort itself. A small entrance fee of US$5 or EC$13 per person is required to enter Cabrits National Park, which includes access to Fort Shirley.

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Discover more about Fort Shirley

Fort Shirley, nestled within Dominica's Cabrits National Park, is a unique and intriguing historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island's European past. Constructed in 1765 by the British, the fort was a key defense in the Lesser Antilles during the 18th and 19th centuries. It served as a strategic military base, primarily to defend against invasions, especially from the French. The fort is named for Sir Thomas Shirley, Governor of the Leeward Islands at the time. The fort's Georgian architecture, designed by Fraser and Bruce, utilized the natural defense provided by the volcanic crater. It consisted of more than 50 buildings, including gun batteries, cisterns, powder magazines, storehouses, bakeries, a forge, barracks, and officer quarters, housing up to 600 men. Fort Shirley is also notable for the 1802 rebellion of slave soldiers from the 8th West India Regiment, which contributed to the emancipation of slave soldiers in the British Empire by 1807. Abandoned in 1854, restoration efforts began in 1982. Today, much of the fort is intact or has been rebuilt, allowing visitors to see what the area looked like when the fort was operational. Climb the walls, look out from a row of cannons, and imagine setting your sight on ships slowly drifting into range. The Officer's Quarters has undergone a major renovation and is now available for events. Fort Shirley offers stunning views of Prince Rupert Bay, nearby beaches, and the mountains.

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