I explored the abandoned Templebreedy Battery overlooking Cork Harbour near Crosshaven, County Cork.

Built by the British between 1904 and 1909, the battery was designed to defend the approaches to Cork Harbour and was equipped with huge 9.2-inch coastal guns.

In 1938, Britain handed Cork Harbour back to Ireland, and Templebreedy came under Irish control. Just one year later, World War II began.

Although Ireland remained neutral, Templebreedy was manned by Irish forces during the Emergency and formed part of Ireland’s coastal defence system, protecting the approaches to Cork Harbour.

Today, the massive gun emplacements, concrete structures and remains of the old military complex are still visible — a fascinating reminder of Cork’s military history.

📍 Templebreedy Battery, Crosshaven, Cork 🇮🇪
⚔️ Built 1904–1909
💥 9.2-inch coastal guns
🇬🇧 Originally British
🇮🇪 Handed back to Ireland in 1938
🇮🇪 Manned by Irish forces during the Emergency/WWII