Bordered to the west by Waterford harbour and sitting on a rocky headland jutting into the channel is the strategically prominent Duncannon Fort which dominates the village.

Primarily a fishing village, Duncannon also relies on tourism and is situated on the marked "Ring of Hook" drive.

[3][4][5] Duncannon Fort, which was built in 1588, was used as a location for the opening scenes of the 2002 remake of 'The Count of Monte Cristo', starring Jim Caviezel and Richard Harris.

According to legend, the settlement at Duncannon dates back to the time of Fionn mac Cumhaill[7] (Finn McCool) and the Fianna in the 3rd century AD.

During the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, Duncannon was besieged again,[8] as part of the Siege of Waterford, firstly in November 1649 by Oliver Cromwell and Michael Jones in 1649.

[10] In the Williamite war in Ireland (1689–1691) James II, after his defeat at the battle of the Boyne, embarked at Duncannon for Kinsale and then to exile in France.

Later his son in law and enemy William of Orange, marched on its cobblestones as the town and fort surrendered to his army without resistance.

The fort and town then became a sanctuary for fleeing loyalists and troops in south Wexford and was also used as a prison and place of execution for suspected rebels.

[13] In the 20th century, Duncannon fort was used by the Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (Irish army reserve) as a barracks and training facility.

The lifeboat and carriage was funded from the bequest of £250 of the late Mrs Anne and Miss Elizabeth Sophia Warner, and named in memory of (Rev.)