1st March 2023
The 17th century fort, which commands breath-taking views of the city has now been transformed with the addition of a covered stage, a resurfaced parade ground, retrofitted benches and improvements to backstage and technical facilities. The upgrades have been sensitively designed by Cork City Council Architects Department and made possible with funding from the Department of Tourism Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, under the Outdoor Public Spaces Scheme and Cork City Council.
At a special event to mark the launch on Wednesday 1st March, an invited audience that included local residents were treated to performances by Barrack Street Band and Music Generation Cork City with a special collaborative performance by talented young musicians, singers and rappers from The Kabin Studio together with the incredible New Orleans style local jazz ensemble, Rebel Brass. A specially commissioned Hysterical History of Elizabeth Fort was created and performed for the occasion by tourist-favourites, Hysterical Histories Cork.
Commenting on the launch, Lord Mayor of Cork City, Cllr. Deirdre Forde said: “The improvements to Elizabeth Fort are a welcome investment in this important heritage site. They make the most of the potential of the Fort by opening it up as a place for people to gather and enjoy cultural events”
Chief Executive Ann Doherty, added “Enhancement of Elizabeth Fort as an outdoor public space adds a valuable amenity to Barrack Street and the city centre and I would like to thank the Department of Tourism Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for their support in making these improvements possible.”
The new outdoor venue is designed to host a variety cultural events, year-round, and is intended for use by arts and cultural organisations in the city. Arts organisations and groups who wish to enquire about using the space should contact tourism@corkcity.ie
