Dublin's Magazine Fort reopens after first phase of OPW conservation works
Thursday 30 July 2026
The historic Magazine Fort in Dublin has reopened following the completion of the first phase of its conservation and repair works by the Office of Public Works.
The historic Magazine Fort in Dublin has reopened to the public following the completion of its first phase of conservation and repair works.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) managed the project, which was delivered by contractor Kelbuild Ltd. Originally constructed in the 18th century as a military storage facility for gunpowder, the fort played a role in the 1916 Easter Rising and was used by the Irish Army before ownership transferred to the OPW in 1988.
The initial phase of the development focused on balancing strict heritage conservation with the practical requirements of a modern public heritage site. Works completed during this phase included extensive repairs to the fort's:
- Rampart walls and cavaliers
- Gunpowder store buildings
- 1921 Bakery building
The project also reinstated the historic Duke of Dorset Gateway.
Speaking at the reopening, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, stated that the investment demonstrates the Government's ongoing commitment to conserving and enhancing built heritage while making it more accessible to the public.