Cork Harbour 1600- 2010 AD
Set in the second biggest natural harbour in the world (after Syndey, Australia) The Sailing Academy of Ireland nestles between the Ferry Terminal and Ireland's naval headquarters at Haulbowline.

Prior to independence from the United Kingdom and the transfer of the treaty ports in 1938, Cork Harbour was an important base for the British Royal Navy.

The first fortifications were built in Cork Harbour in the 17th century, although these were primarily to protect Cork City. In the 18th century, fortifications were built on Haulbowline Island to protect the anchorage in Cobh. Fort Camden and Fort Carlisle at opposite sides of the harbour entrance were built during the American War of Independence.

Haulbowline Naval Base: the sailing academy's slipway is just out of picture to the right

 At the time of Irish independence, Cork Harbour was included, along with Berehaven and Lough Swilly, in a list of British naval establishments that would remain under the control of the Royal Navy, although, the naval dockyard on Haulbowline Island was handed over to the Irish Free State in 1923.

Although, the Royal Navy appreciated the location of Cork Harbour, particularly for submarines, which had a significantly shorter range in the 1920s, maintenance of the fortification became a problem as soon as Ireland had become independent.

The political uncertainty over the future of the treaty ports meant that the British government was not inclined to invest in their upgrade. Also, at the time of their construction, nobody had considered the possibility of air attack and as they were unable to expand, there was no possibility of adding adequate air cover. Finally, if the Irish Free State was hostile during any conflict, the treaty ports would have to be supplied by sea rather than land, wasting resources.

British Handover Cork Port
In March 1938, the British government announced that the treaty ports would be handed over to Ireland unconditionally. On July 11, 1938, the defences at Cork Harbour were handed over to the Irish military authorities at a ceremony attended by Taoiseach Eamon de Valera.

Since, being handed over to the Irish military most of the military installations have become unused. Fort Carlisle was renamed Fort Davis and is used by the Defence Forces for FIBUA training but is in a neglected state. Fort Camden became Fort Meagher and has gone out of use. Fort Westmoreland became Fort Mitchell Spike Island prison, but is currently out of service. However, the fortifications on Haulbowline Island have been maintained and are now the headquarters of the Irish Navy.