It has been almost 200 years since Royal Naval Dockyard on Ireland
Island was built. Having played a key role in Bermuda’s
maritime history, this former naval garrison today draws millions
of visitors a year with its stores, galleries and studios,
restaurants and pubs, and numerous tourist
activities and attractions.
Built in 1814 as a strategic outpost for the British Royal Navy,
Royal Naval Dockyard played roles in many historic events,
including the War of 1812 and World War II. But after 1945 the role
of Dockyard diminished, and eventually the Royal Navy sold the land
to Bermuda. Decades passed while the old fort and its buildings sat
abandoned. However, that all changed in 1982, when a massive
redevelopment effort began that restored Dockyard and its
surroundings. The old warehouses and barracks were transformed into
workspaces, the clocktower regained its former glory, and The Keep
took on a new life as the National Museum of Bermuda. Artists,
retailers and restaurateurs soon moved in —the rest is
history.
On a typical afternoon, Dockyard is buzzing with activity.
Visitors flock to this bastion in the West End for a good dose of
culture, food, fun and lots of shopping. Whether you crave
heart-racing water activities, encounters with marine mammals, a
lesson in Bermudian craft-making, a stroll through Bermuda’s
history, a taste of delicious Bermuda rum cake or simply a lazy
afternoon on the beach, you’ll find it all in
Dockyard.
