Fortress Ireland

Fortress Ireland presents, for the first time, a complete, and coherent account of the policies and rationale that led to Irish fortification and re-fortification against invasion over almost four centuries.

Through original research int a variety of neglected primary sources, including original memoranda and long-forgotten correspondence, it describes in detail why, where, when and how defence structures from Lough Swilly to Bantry Bay were built, armed and manned in peace and war.

At the same time, Fortress Ireland analyses the roles played by these defences in time of war - roles that often involved incidents of great drama and importance. It is no exaggeration to say that without these military bases it would not have been possible to establish and maintain the British Empire in the face of hostile continental powers.

In addition, the book breaks totally new ground in Irish history. The author has uncovered key documents which call for a complete reappraisal of the practical effects of Irish neutrality in the Second World War. Amazingly, analysis of these documents has never previously been published.

Fortress Ireland has 6 maps, over 40 photographs, 14 tables and a glossary. It is an indispensable handbook for the discerning tourist as well as for anyone interested in Irish military history. It seems destined to become the definitive work on this subject.

Although published in 2006, the book is totally sold-out and VERY hard-to-find.