Cork Harbor

Cork Harbour is a broad sheltered inlet on Ireland's southern coast, reached through a narrow entrance between headlands. Islands and branching channels lie within its waters, and the River Lee connects it to the port of Cork. The anchorage offered shelter to merchant ships and naval fleets alike. During Britain's wars with France and America, fleets assembled in the harbour before sailing into the Atlantic. Fort Westmoreland was begun on Spike Island in 1792, adding to the defences of a harbour whose sheltered waters made it a valuable naval station.