Fort Elizabeth – ancient fortress in the Irish city of cork, built in the early 17th century by the decree of the Lord President of Munster George Carew. The name of the Fort was named in honor of the ruling in those days Queen of England and Ireland Elizabeth I.

History of Fort Elizabeth began in 1601, when on one of the hills outside the city walls of medieval Cork to protect the approaches to the city was built Outpost. The original Fort was a defensive strengthening pentagonal shape, built of wood and earth. The location of the fortress had a significant drawback - in the case of capture by the enemy, the town became too vulnerable. It is from these considerations in 1603 residents Cortex destroyed the Fort, but he was soon restored by the city and was subsequently rebuilt several times.

The earliest structure of the Fort, extant, dated 1624-1625 years. It was then that the old Fort was replaced by a more powerful fortification. Significant changes in the Fort and in 1649, under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell. In 1690, during the so-called War of the two kings (also known as Villaricca or Jacobite war), cork was besieged by the troops williamites. After the city walls were destroyed, cork surrendered, fell with him and the Fort.

In 1719 the castle was converted into barracks and as such was used until 1806. Later it housed a women's prison, where the prisoners mostly were waiting for their shipment to New South Wales and other British colonies, and then Cork city artillery. During the Irish war of independence (1919-1921) Fort Elizabeth was occupied by British forces, who had left him after the signing of the peace Treaty between great Britain and Ireland. In August 1922, in the midst of the Civil war the Fort was thoroughly damaged by fire. After the Civil war the Fort was restored and it houses the cork Garda (Irish police).

In 2013, Fort Elizabeth as an important historical monument was transferred to the Cork city Council. Today the Fort is still under active development as a tourist site and is open to visitors only in part, but you can climb on walls and fully enjoy superb panoramic views. Periodically at Fort Elizabeth the various fairs and festivals.