Fort Shirley, Saint Mark Travel Guide

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Explore Fort Shirley in Dominica: a historic fortress offering stunning views, rich history, and a glimpse into the Caribbean's colonial past.

Explore Fort Shirley, a beautifully restored 18th-century British garrison within Dominica's Cabrits National Park. Discover its role in Caribbean defense and the site of a pivotal slave revolt, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Dominica's past.

A brief summary to Fort Shirley

HGMG+7HV, Portsmouth, DM

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 midday heat and enjoy a quieter experience.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain within the fort is uneven.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of Prince Rupert Bay and the surrounding coastline.
Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the fort's history and significance.

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Explore Fort Shirley on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Fort Shirley, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are already in Portsmouth, Fort Shirley is accessible by foot. From the town center, head north along the waterfront. Follow the road as it curves around the coast; you'll see signs directing you towards Cabrits National Park. The walk to the park entrance takes approximately 20 minutes. Once inside the park, follow the uphill path to Fort Shirley. Be prepared for some inclines and uneven terrain.
Public Transport

From the main bus terminal in Portsmouth, you can take a minibus heading towards Cabrits National Park. Look for buses marked 'Cabrits' or 'Douglas Bay' at the Portsmouth bus stop. The fare is around $3-5 XCD (Eastern Caribbean Dollars). Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to the park. From there, it's an uphill walk to Fort Shirley.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis are readily available in Portsmouth. A short taxi ride from the town center to the entrance of Cabrits National Park, where Fort Shirley is located, will cost approximately $10 USD. From the park entrance, it's a walk uphill to the fort itself. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Fort Shirley

Fort Shirley, nestled within Cabrits National Park on Dominica's northern peninsula, is a commanding historical site that unveils the island's complex colonial history and strategic significance in the Caribbean. Constructed by the British starting in 1765 and significantly expanded by the French from 1778-1784, this well-preserved 18th-century garrison allows visitors to step back in time.The fort was initially built by the British to defend north Dominica and named after Sir Thomas Shirley, the Governor of the Leeward Islands at the time. The Georgian-style architecture, designed by British Royal Engineers Fraser and Bruce, made use of the natural defenses of the volcanic crater in which it was built. The fort complex comprised over 50 buildings, including gun batteries, cisterns, powder magazines, ordnance storehouses, bakeries, an iron forge, barracks, and officer's quarters, capable of housing over 600 men.Fort Shirley is most notably known for the 1802 revolt of the 8th West India Regiment, where African slave soldiers mutinied against poor conditions and fear of being sold back into slavery. This revolt influenced the Mutiny Act of 1807, leading to the freedom of all serving soldiers recruited as slaves in the West India Regiments of the British Army.Abandoned in 1854, the fort remained in the hands of the British Admiralty until 1901 when it was transferred to the government of Dominica. Since 1982, Dominican historian Dr. Lennox Honychurch has spearheaded restoration efforts, and the site now serves as a multi-purpose venue for tourism, events, and historical education. Visitors can explore the restored Officers' Quarters, Soldiers' Barracks, Powder Magazine, and Ramparts, and enjoy panoramic views of Prince Rupert's Bay. Walking trails wind through the grounds, offering a chance to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty.