Situated on a rocky headland, Lenan Head Fort (sometimes spelt Leenan) is a British built coastal artillery battery from the late 19th Century. Standing isolated for over 120 years, the Victorian site was only in use for less than 40 years, but stood proudly on the cusp of the Atlantic protecting the deep-water Lough Swilly. One of a total of 7 forts protecting the 25 mile long lough, through time as both the nature of warfare and the political landscape changed the forts were abandoned and quickly fell into disrepair; Lenan Head being the best example of a site that was stripped out and left.
Lenan Head Fort was recomended in 1891 for the defence of Lough Swilly to be armed with 1 x 9.2inch BL gun, two 9 or 10inch RML guns and 2 x 6pdr QF guns. In 1901 it was armed with 2 x 9.2-inch BL Mk I and 1 x 9.2-in BL Mk IV gun. Between 1909 and 1911 the guns were changed to 2 x Mark X. They were removed for scrap in the 1950s. Reference
I visited in December 2016 and while the weather at the start of my visit was relatively benign, after 2 hours strong winds and rain made for a miserable experience. I can only imagine what it was like for the troops manning these remote outstations in all seasons. There are some fascinating features remaining, and I hope you enjoy some of the images from my visit.
Basemap (c) Google Maps 2016
The entrance bridge with guardhouse in the background.
Supporting blocks for the entrance barricade sitting in front of the defensive ditch and guardhouse in the background.
An interesting barricade block through which metal bars were located to prevent access.
Coat hooks in the guardroom.
The defensive ditch looking outwards towards the entrance.
Most of the accommodation was ‘wriggly tin’ clad, wooden framed. As this has deteriorated over time, all that now stands are the fireplaces and chimney stacks.
Chimney stacks and foundations remaining from the accommodation blocks.
Chimney stacks remaining from the accommodation blocks.
Interior decor and fireplace in one of the few domestic brick buildings.
Coat rack.
Foundations and water tower / boiler room in the distance.
One of the now iconic chimney stacks.
The site had no pumped fresh water but did have a unique rainwater capture system.
Demolition debris.
There was a lot of porcelain remaining on site.
The main purpose of this site, one of the 3 gun mounts of Lenan Battery.
The southern most gun of the battery.
In the subterranean magazines below each gun, the painted signs remain.
Shells and cartridges were stored separately for safety reasons and all stores were suitably marked.
The upper gun of the battery looking south towards the other 2.
The upper gun of the battery looking south towards the other 2.
The upper gun looking towards the fire control building.
This peculiar red-brick structure was possibly an observation building. It is located between the settlement and the battery.
Looking from the highest point on site towards the upper gun and fire control bunker.
The defensive ditch, protected with later loopholed buildings to deter intruders from inland.
The defensive ditch, protected with later loopholed buildings to deter intruders from inland.
The defensive ditch, protected with later loopholed buildings to deter intruders from inland.
The following guns were mounted on Lenan battery throughout its life until its abandonment in 1952 (Reference). A barbette is the raised platform on which the gun is mounted. While a barbette offers a wider arc of fire, it offers little protection to the crew.
While the buildings have long since been destroyed, remaining examples are still extant at Dunree Fort and also a very good example has been restored at the Somme Museum.
An example of the buildings that would have populated the site at Lenan Fort, this one at Dunreee Museum along the coast.A beautifully restored example of the accommodation which would have covered the Lenan Head camp. This hut can be visited at the Somme Museum, Conlig near Newtownards.
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