Fort Shirley: A Caribbean Fortress with a Storied Past

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Discover Dominica's colonial past at Fort Shirley, a beautifully restored 18th-century fortress offering panoramic views and a rich history.

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Fort Shirley

Explore Fort Shirley, a meticulously restored 18th-century British garrison nestled within Dominica's Cabrits National Park. This historical site offers a captivating glimpse into the island's colonial past, featuring well-preserved ruins and panoramic views of Prince Rupert Bay.

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 the midday heat and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain and exploring the fort's ramparts.
Consider taking a guided tour for a more comprehensive 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. 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 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.
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

Fort Shirley, located in Cabrits National Park, is Dominica's most significant historical site. Constructed by the British in 1765, the fort was a key defense in the Lesser Antilles during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was named for Sir Thomas Shirley, Governor of the Leeward Islands. The fort's primary purpose was to defend against invasions, particularly from the French. The Georgian architecture, designed by Fraser and Bruce, utilized the natural defenses of the volcanic crater in which it was built.From 1778 to 1784, the French extended the fort during their occupation of Dominica. The fort housed up to 600 soldiers and included gun batteries, cisterns, magazines, storehouses, bakeries, a forge, barracks, and officer quarters. 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. By the 1850s, the fort had fallen out of use and was abandoned in 1854.Since 1982, parts of Fort Shirley have been restored for various uses, including events and tourism. Visitors can explore the ruins, climb the walls, and imagine life when the fort was operational. The Officer's Quarters has been renovated and is now used for weddings, receptions, and concerts. The fort offers stunning views of Prince Rupert Bay, nearby beaches, and the mountains.