Are we looking ahead as the vaccine roll-out gathers momentum? Well, we all certainly hope so and eventually, a sense of normality will return. Unfortunately, we may have to take our vacation, or ‘staycation’ as they like to call it, closer to home this year, at least until the positive cases drop further. But hey! We have a wonderful Island here and it is the envy of so many other countries. Before the pandemic, I toured around Ireland and stopped in so many fascinating places. It is intended to write a book in the future, about my travels. Before that, however, I am expecting the release of my new Novel – “An Unexpected Rebel” shortly. The story excites me because the writing took a lot of research, and I really enjoy Irish History. Picking up notes in different places, I went on a journey around Inishowen in the wonderful Donegal, just as the ‘lockdowns’ were about to begin. One day, I stopped for a quick coffee break and to stretch my legs. Masks were not compulsory in the early days of the pandemic but it was ‘advised’ to wear one. I put on my new designer mask and entered the small shop, a shop which overlooked a beautiful secluded cove. The sky blue water washed its way over the rocks, leaving a trail of snow white foam that was gently caressing the golden sand.

I made my way over to one of those wonderful self-service machines…the coffee station. Oh the joys of modern technology. Putting the lid on, I approached the counter to pay for my freshly filled Americano, where a young lady was standing beside the till. Wearing one of them see-through visors…she looked as though she had just got off a motor-bike. It covered her face to keep her, and the customers from catching…Covid-19.

“Good Morning” she said, speaking with a lovely Donegal accent. “Is that tea or coffee?”

My reply of, coffee thank you, was no sooner out, when I suddenly noticed a small brochure on the counter showing an amazing old stone Fortress on the front cover. Curiosity took hold of me now and the kind lady, handing back change, presented me with a copy that had a headline… Fort Dunree, situated about seven miles north of Buncrana on the coast. That was it. I had to go and see this Fort Dunree, because the magnetism of the place had captured my attention.

When you visit this place, it sits on the edge of Inishowen in County Donegal. It certainly brings the past, to the present. The Fort is situated along the shores of Lough Swilly, commanding a majestic view of the Lough and it’s shorelines. Near to this very same spot, Theobald Wolfe Tone, a founding member of the United Irishmen, was brought ashore here in 1798 and a small fort was then erected to guard against the possible return of a French invasion fleet. In the late 19th Century, the fort was modernised and enlarged with the building of the “Top Fort” on Dunree Hill.

During World War I, it stood guard whilst Admiral Lord Jellicoe’s Fleet anchored in Lough Swilly, prior to engaging the German Navy at the ‘Battle of Jutland‘. Control of the Fort was transferred back to the Irish Free State just before the outbreak of World War II. Now this is definitely where the past is still alive and you can sense the atmosphere of all the commotion as if the breeze was whispering to you in ghostly voices.

The Fort Dunree heritage museum complex was originally opened to the public in 1986, and has provided interest for the tourists of all ages ever since. A Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way, Fort Dunree houses a Military Museum, Wildlife Discovery Room and a network of walkways that are a must for any visitor to the Inishowen Peninsula. Kayaking and Water sports are available in association with Inish Adventures and to relax, there is the most scenic Coffee Shop in Ireland! Can you really handle the excitement? My journey was complete and on my departure, I got a haunting glimpse of the Fort. It certainly gave me a real view into the past.