Fort Shirley: A Caribbean Fortress with a Storied Past
Discover Dominica's past at Fort Shirley: a historic fortress offering stunning views and a glimpse into Caribbean colonial life.
Explore Fort Shirley, a meticulously restored 18th-century British fort within Dominica's Cabrits National Park. Discover its pivotal role in Caribbean 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 the midday heat and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain within the fort and surrounding trails can be uneven.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the fort's history and significance.
- Bring water and snacks, as amenities within the park are limited.
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. Ask the driver to drop you off near the entrance to Cabrits National Park. From the park entrance, it's a moderately steep walk uphill to Fort Shirley, taking about 15-20 minutes.
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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 5-10 minutes. From Portsmouth, a taxi to the entrance of Cabrits National Park costs approximately EC$20-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 itself.
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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. Note that there is a park entrance fee of US$5 (EC$13.25) per person for non-residents.
Discover more about Fort Shirley
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