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Fort Shirley, Saint Joseph Travel Guide

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Discover Dominica's colonial past at Fort Shirley, a beautifully restored 18th-century fort within Cabrits National Park offering stunning views and rich history.

Explore Fort Shirley, Dominica's most significant historical site, nestled within Cabrits National Park. This beautifully restored 18th-century British garrison offers a unique glimpse into the island's colonial past, featuring stunning views and a rich history. Built in 1765, the fort played a crucial role in defending British interests in the Lesser Antilles.

A brief summary to Fort Shirley

  • HGMG+7HV, Portsmouth, DM
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Shirley.

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy cooler temperatures while exploring the fort.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain within the fort and surrounding trails can be uneven.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of Prince Rupert Bay and the surrounding coastline.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the fort's history and significance.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Portsmouth, take a local minibus heading towards Cabrits National Park. These buses are usually marked 'Cabrits' or 'Douglas Bay'. The fare is approximately EC$5-10 (around $2-$4 USD) per person. Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to Cabrits National Park. From the park entrance, follow the marked trails leading to Fort Shirley. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes uphill. Remember to factor in the $5 USD entrance fee for the park.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From the Portsmouth Ferry Terminal or the center of Portsmouth, a taxi ride to Fort Shirley, located within Cabrits National Park, is a convenient option. The ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes. A typical fare costs around $10-$15 USD. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey. This price does not include the $5 USD entrance fee for Cabrits National Park.

  • Walking

    If you are already within Cabrits National Park, follow the well-marked trail signs directing you to Fort Shirley. The walk from the park entrance to the fort takes about 15-20 minutes, offering scenic views along the way. From the center of Portsmouth, Fort Shirley is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head north along the waterfront, following the main road. The path is mostly uphill and can be uneven in places, so wear comfortable shoes. There is a $5 USD entrance fee to enter the Cabrits National Park.

Discover more about Fort Shirley

Fort Shirley, located in Dominica's Cabrits National Park, is a captivating historical site offering visitors a glimpse into the island's European past. Constructed in 1765 by the British, the fort was named after Sir Thomas Shirley and strategically positioned within a volcanic crater to defend the northern coast of Dominica. Its primary purpose was to protect British interests in the Lesser Antilles from French invasions.The fort's Georgian architecture, designed by Fraser and Bruce, utilized the natural defenses of the volcanic crater. It housed up to 600 soldiers and included gun batteries, cisterns, magazines, storehouses, bakeries, a forge, barracks, and officer quarters. From 1778 to 1784, the fort was extended by the French during their occupation of Dominica.Fort Shirley is also notable for the 1802 revolt of slave soldiers from the 8th West India Regiment, who took over the garrison for three days to protest poor conditions and fear of being sold back into slavery. This revolt contributed to the emancipation of slave soldiers in the British Empire by 1807.Abandoned in 1854, Fort Shirley underwent restoration starting in 1982 under Dr. Lennox Honychurch. Today, much of the fort is intact or has been rebuilt, allowing visitors to explore the area as it once was. Climb the walls, look out from the cannons, and imagine ships drifting into range. The Officer's Quarters has been renovated and is now used for events. Fort Shirley offers stunning views of Prince Rupert Bay, nearby beaches, and the mountains.

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