The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to welcome the re-opening of the historic Magazine Fort, Dublin after completion of the first phase of conservation and stabilisation works. Set in the Phoenix Park, the Magazine Fort is one of Dublin’s most significant heritage landmarks. Originally built in the 18th century as a military storage facility for
gunpowder, it later played a role in the events of the Easter Rising in 1916 and was used by the Irish Army before transferring to the OPW in 1988. The first phase of works involved extensive repair and conservation works of the fort’s rampart walls, cavaliers, gunpowder store buildings, the 1921 Bakery building and reinstated the Duke of Dorset Gateway. The project team worked to balance the needs of conservation with the practical requirements of a modern public heritage site.Speaking at the event Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers said:
"The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to welcome the re-opening of the historic Magazine Fort, Dublin after completion of the first phase of conservation and stabilisation works. Set in the Phoenix Park, the Magazine Fort is one of Dublin’s most significant heritage landmarks. Originally built in the 18th century as a military storage facility for gunpowder, it later played a role in the events of the Easter Rising in 1916 and was used by the Irish Army before transferring to the OPW in 1988. The first phase of works involved extensive repair and conservation works of the fort’s rampart walls, cavaliers, gunpowder store buildings, the 1921 Bakery building and reinstated the Duke of Dorset Gateway. The project team worked to balance the needs of conservation with the practical requirements of a modern public heritage site."
Speaking at the opening, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, said:
"The Magazine Fort is one of OPW’s most iconic historical sites and its careful preservation is an important part of our shared heritage. The ongoing conservation works to this site ensures that this landmark is protected, enhances public understanding of its history and ensures that it remains protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. I am delighted to be here today for the reopening of the Magazine Fort".
The works were completed as part of a phased reopening of the site to the public. Future conservation work include making the Francis Johnston buildings accessible to visitors and enhancing the site’s overall visitor experience.
The project is funded under the National Development Plan, with Government investment to date of €5.7 million (including VAT). The project has already received major recognition as the recipient of the RIAI Awards 2026 (Conservation category) and the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2026 (ICE Award) in the Heritage/Conservation category.
The Magazine Fort is now open for public guided tours through the OPW Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. For more information about tours of the Magazine Fort please visit www.heritageireland.ie/magazinefort. For further information about our sites visit www.heritageireland.ie.
OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.
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