The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced the reopening of the historic Magazine Fort in Dublin's Phoenix Park following completion of the first stage of conservation and stabilisation works. The 18th-century fort, built to store gunpowder, is a key Dublin landmark that later featured in the 1916 Easter Rising and subsequently housed the Irish Army before its transfer to the OPW in 1988.

Phase one delivered substantial repairs to the rampart walls and cavaliers, conservation of the gunpowder store buildings and the 1921 Bakery building, and the reinstatement of the Duke of Dorset Gateway. The project aimed to balance careful preservation with the needs of a modern public heritage venue.

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."

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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 reopening forms part of a phased approach. Next steps include making the Francis Johnston buildings accessible to visitors and improving the overall visitor experience.

The project is financed under the National Development Plan, with Government investment to date of €5.7 million (including VAT). The scheme has already been recognised with the RIAI Awards 2026 (Conservation category) and the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2026 (Heritage/Conservation category).

The fort is now open for public guided tours via the OPW Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. For details, visit www.heritageireland.ie/magazinefort and www.heritageireland.ie.

The Magazine Fort is a protected structure under the Dublin City Council Development Plan 2016–2022 and is regarded as having special architectural, military, historical, social and archaeological interest. The complex has seen continuous use across three centuries.

Construction began around 1736 to designs by John Corneille Junior on the elevated site of Phoenix House (1611), chosen for its commanding views. The fort follows a typical square plan with four demi-bastions and a dry moat, reflecting successive phases of military adaptation.

The restored site is expected to accommodate up to 430 visitors at any one time, with annual attendance projected to reach around 150,000 over time.

The OPW provides accommodation for Government services and manages much of the State's property portfolio. It cares for 780 heritage sites, including national monuments, historic parks, gardens and buildings, and serves as the Government's principal engineering agency, supporting Flood Risk Management and Estate Portfolio Management functions as well as other Departments.