Family Friendly
From €440 for 2 nights
Open Fire
Sleeps 3
About the Property
Elizabeth Fort, Cork City.
Would you like to stay in a 17th-century fortress in the centre of Cork City?
Situated within the walls of Elizabeth Fort, one of the oldest and most historic sites in Cork, Garrison House offers guests a very central location to explore the history, culture, and wonders of Cork City and nearby UCC.
One of 2 properties available as self-catering accommodation at this site, Garrison House sleeps 3 people and offers guests a unique opportunity to stay within the fort walls.
The other property, Parade House, adjoins Garrison House and also sleeps 3 people. These properties have been sympathetically restored and are full of charm.
We think you’ll love
- The stillness and silence provided by the fortress walls.
- The view of St. Finbar’s Cathedral from the back of the house.
- Having a fortress to yourself for a short break in the centre of a buzzing City.
Facilities
- 1 Double Room
- 1 Single Room
- Gas Central Heating
- Wood burning Stove in Sitting Room
- Double Oven with ceramic hob
- Microwave
- Washing Machine
- Small sized dishwasher
- Counter under fridge with icebox
- Towels and Linens Provided
- Hair dryer
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Cooking utensils and equipment
- 1 Bathroom – large walk in shower cubicle only. No bathtub.
- Sitting Room
- Small courtyard to the rear
- Radio
Things you should know
Unfortunately, pets are not welcome at Elizabeth Fort.
There is no parking facility at the property. There is paid parking available at nearby “Park it Here” car park, at 50 Grande Parade.
Elizabeth Fort is a busy tourist attraction in Cork, so the site can be very busy with visitors.
Occasionally events take place inside the fort — this can be an added bonus for some! Please check Cork City’s website for details on upcoming events.
Sections of the ramparts around Elizabeth Fort directly overlook Parade House but blinds are in place to ensure your privacy.
Elizabeth Fort is a 17th Century star shaped fort. Originally built as a defensive fortification outside the city walls, the city eventually grew around the fort and it took on various other roles – including use as a military barracks, prison and Garda station.
The fort was built after the Battle of Kinsale, in 1601 by Sir George Carew, the then President of Munster. Named for Queen Elizabeth I, it served as both a defensive structure and a symbol of English authority in Cork. The original fort was built of timber, stone and earth.
This first structure did not last long. After the death of Elizabeth I in 1603 the people of Cork refused to acknowledge the crowning of James I. The Citizens, fearing the fort being used against them, destroyed it and seized the guns within. It was not long however before Lord Mountjoy and his forces seized the city and forced the citizens to rebuild the fort at their own expense.
The fort was rebuilt in stone in 1624-1626. It was at this time that the fort became star-shaped and is largely the same layout today.
Following on from the Cromwellian conquest in the mid-seventeenth century, Oliver Cromwell is reputed to have made several defensive alterations to the fort, primarily making the ramparts higher.
During the Williamite War in Ireland, Cork became a Jacobite stronghold after the Battle of the Boyne. During the Siege of Cork in 1690 and after a week of bombardment, the city walls were breached and Elizabeth Fort surrendered.
In 1719 a military barracks was built in the fort. At this time the ramparts were thinned to provide additional space required to accommodate the soldiers. These barracks were closed in 1806 and from 1817-1837 was put to use as a convict depot for prisoners awaiting transportation and later, as a food depot during the Great Famine.
During the Irish War of Independence 1919-21 Elizabeth Fort is used as a base for auxiliary forces brought in by Britain to fight against the Irish Republican Army. In the succeeding Irish Civil War, the buildings within the fort were burned down by anti-treaty forces but the walls of the fort remained.
In 1929 a new Garda station was built within the fort. This is one of the first building projects of the Free State Government in Cork. These buildings survive today and were in use as a Garda station until 2013.
During the Second World War, an Air-raid shelter was built within the fort for protection from possible bombings.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and beams, unexpected drops or changes in level, and by modern standards low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the fabric of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay. We ask you to appreciate and use the building with this understanding. If you have any queries about the property you are interested in and would like more clarification please contact Irish Landmark at bookings@irishlandmark.com.
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Arrival and Departure Time?
Unless otherwise agreed with the House Manager the earliest time at which you can check in is 4.00p.m. Guests may NOT take over the property any time later then 9.00pm. Guests are requested to vacate the property by 10.00am at the latest on the day of departure.
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Is there a TV?
No, but there is a radio, board games, cards and plenty of books.
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Is there WiFi?
No, at our properties you have an opportunity to experience the best of a former way of life: beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a peaceful relaxed ambiance, without modern electronic distractions, where you decide the pace of your holiday.
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Can I bring a dog?
No. This property is not suitable for dogs as there are adjoining properties.
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Do you supply towels and bed linen?
Yes. The bed will be made up on your arrival and you will be provided with a bath towel and guest towel according to the number of beds in the property.
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Is there an open fire?
There is a small wood burning stove. There is a limited amount of fuel left for the fire (where applicable) so guests may want to bring more for the duration of their stay. Please contact the local House Manager for more information on what type of fuel is used at your chosen property.
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Do you supply fuel for the fire?
Irish Landmark Trust supply enough fuel for one night only. Guests will be advised where to purchase fuel for the fire locally.
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Do I need a car to get here?
No. Garrison House is located in the heart of Cork City Centre.
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How do I get the keys?
When you complete your booking, you will receive an email giving you information about arranging access for your arrival date.
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Can I arrive early?
Only by special arrangement with the bookings office and agreement of the local House Manager. The standard earliest arrival is 4pm. A charge is made if you are requesting a morning arrival, as this means we cannot take a booking for the night before your arrival date. Actual arrival time MUST be agreed in advance with the local House Manager.
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What is the latest departure time?
10.00am. The House Manager will discuss arrangements for your departure on the day you arrive.
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How far to the nearest town?
You are in Cork City Centre so right beside shops, etc. Guests are 8 minutes’ walk from the famous English Market.
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Where can I find information about the local area?
Each of our properties contains a Green Book catered to that specific property. In this book, we have compiled all of the necessary information important local amenities such as medical centres and taxi services, including locations and phone numbers. You will also find tips for recommended restaurants, bars, and things to see and do for all ages.
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Is there a caterer who will come in to cook meals?
We do not know of anyone who can go in to cook meals at this property.
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Is it suitable for children?
Yes.
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Is it suitable for older people?
The bedrooms and bathroom are located upstairs.
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Does it have facilities for disabled people?
No.
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Is it suitable for a wheelchair?
No.
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Is there central heating?
There is gas central heating.
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Is the cooker electric or gas?
There is a cooker with double oven and ceramic hob.
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Is there a shower?
Yes, there is a large walk in shower only.
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Is there a bathtub?
Yes, there is a bathtub with a hand-held shower head over it.
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How many bathrooms?
One
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Can I get to the house by public transport?
Yes. You can get a train to Cork Kent station and then a taxi ride is about 10 minutes from there.
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Where is the nearest train station?
Cork Kent station.
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Can I book for just one night?
No.
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What is your minimum booking period?
Irish Landmark Trust have a 2 night stay minimum at all of our properties. Some Special Dates will have restrictions on arrival and departure date which will effect the minimum number of nights.
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Is there a garden at the house?
Yes, there is a garden to the rear of the lodge.
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Is there parking on site?
There is strictly no parking facility at the property. There is paid parking available at nearby “Park it Here” car park, at 50 Grande Parade. Directions will be supplied if required.
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Is there outdoor furniture?
Yes, a table and chairs are provided.
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What condiments and products do you supply?
We supply teabags, coffee granules, sugar, salt & pepper, cooking oil, tin foil & kitchen roll, handwash, washing up liquid, dishwashing cloths, and dishwasher tablets if there is a dishwasher. We do not supply any other cleaning products that contain chemicals, including laundry detergents – we suggest you bring your own.
HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY :
It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.
BOOKING:
Your booking must be for holiday purposes only. Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked. When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you.
CONTRACT OF HIRE:
The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking.
Click arrival date for cost of stay
Reviews
An Historic Stay
“A beautiful spot and a real sense of being steeped in history whilst staying in this quaint cottage. Super to have the fort to explore as well and the lovely little museum on site, so many interesting stories from the time when it was a women’s prison. Very central, easy to walk everywhere, a visit to Nano Nagle’s Place nearby is a must- we enjoyed a superb brunch in the Good Day Deli and another interesting museum visit which tells the amazing story of Nano Nagle. The tour guardians of the fort were so friendly and helpful.” (CMCgrath)
Utterly Charmed by our stay at Garrison House
“The refurbishment of these two houses is marvellous … and I have seen the “before” photos! …and the furnishing and equipping of the house was first class. It was a pleasure to work in the kitchen – we self-catered so well for Breakfasts & one Dinner. Previously unfamiliar with the area of Cork city, we were thrilled to discover the area. So close to everywhere on foot, as we always enjoy the English Market but we liked being “off the beaten track”. and that we surely were. in Elizabeth Fort, with its 16th century origins. The guided tour of the Fort which we took on Sunday was excellent.” (MMacken)
House Manager
Geraldine O'Sullivan
Geraldine O’Sullivan is the House Manager at Elizabeth Fort. Geraldine loves to welcome guests and tell them all of her top tips for the best things to do in Cork City on your holidays.