Grey Point Fort

Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles and is unique in Northern Ireland.

Situated in Helen's Bay, within Crawfordsburn Country Park, Grey Point Fort houses a most unusual hands-on military museum. The Fort also hosts a number of special commemorative events during the year.

Grey Point Fort was completed in 1907 with at its heart two massive 6 inch diameter guns which commanded the entrance to Belfast Lough. While a key part of Belfast’s defences against naval attack, it proved of limited value during the German air attacks on the city in 1941. There are still two magnificent 23 feet long guns, replacements for the originalswhich were sold for scrap in 1957, when the Fort was largely closed down. Visitors can also see the original observation post, three searchlight positions, and experience the huge scale of the battery.

Volunteers have created a fascinating museum of military memorabilia, including medals, uniforms, photographs and weaponryfrom the First and Second World Wars. There is also a unique collection of radio equipment over a hundred years, including a Bletchley Park receiver and material from a Lancaster bomber, together with a section devoted to the Titanic.

Expert guides are on hand to assist visitors of all ages to interpret the wealth of material and recreate the original experience.

The Fort is easily reached on foot or cycle along the Coastal Path from Crawfordsburn Country Park, by road or rail (to Helen’s Bay station).