Martello Forts - CURIOUS IRELAND

Martello Towers were built by the British between 1804 and 1816 as defensive forts in fear of a naval invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte. 29 of the 50 Martellos that were built in Ireland can be found along Dublin Bay as it was considered the most vulnerable area of attack. Most were built at strategic coastal viewpoints but some can even be found along the Shannon River.

Rathmullan Village. County Donegal

emmet2023-06-24T11:10:22+00:00

The scenic departure point of the Flight of the Earls Rathmullan is a beautiful seaside village located on the shores of Lough Swilly. This was the scene of one of the most important [...]

Rathmullan Village. County Donegalemmet2023-06-24T11:10:22+00:00

The Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio, Martello Tower, Howth. North County Dublin 1805

emmet2023-10-07T06:15:48+00:00

Ireland's only vintage radio museum Howth Martello is one of 21 Martello towers that have survived in County Dublin. Many have been demolished and some are privately owned. In 2003, Pat Herbert, who [...]

The Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio, Martello Tower, Howth. North County Dublin 1805emmet2023-10-07T06:15:48+00:00

Banba’s Crown, Malin Head. County Donegal 1805

emmet2023-10-05T15:57:25+00:00

The most northerly point of Ireland Banba's Crown is Ireland's most northerly building on the mainland. It was named 'Banba' after the mythological patron goddess of Ireland and was built by the British [...]

Banba’s Crown, Malin Head. County Donegal 1805emmet2023-10-05T15:57:25+00:00

Dalkey Island, South County Dublin

emmet2025-03-19T17:55:21+00:00

A thorny little island Dalkey Island lies less than 300 meters off the south Dublin coastline and its name translates to 'Thorny Island' in Irish. This 22-acre island has been occupied for 6000 [...]

Dalkey Island, South County Dublinemmet2025-03-19T17:55:21+00:00

Old Fort, Shannonbridge. County Offaly 1810

emmet2023-08-02T13:32:27+00:00

A unique Napoleonic fort on a river This odd-looking building is the Old Fort at Shannonbridge. It was built in 1810 beside the oldest bridge on the Shannon which dates from 1757. At [...]

Old Fort, Shannonbridge. County Offaly 1810emmet2023-08-02T13:32:27+00:00

Millmount Martello Tower, Drogheda. Co.Louth 1808

emmet2025-03-19T19:00:01+00:00

Drogheda's most strategic location The Millmount Martello Tower is Drogheda's most dominant feature. Legend says it is the burial place of Amhairghin, a mythical Celtic poet and it has recently been suggested that [...]

Millmount Martello Tower, Drogheda. Co.Louth 1808 emmet2025-03-19T19:00:01+00:00

Martello Tower No. 7, Killiney Hill. County Dublin 1804

emmet2025-03-19T18:52:33+00:00

The finest converted Martello in Ireland Martello Tower No. 7 is one of about 50 Martellos built by the British along the Irish coast. They were built in sight of each other providing [...]

Martello Tower No. 7, Killiney Hill. County Dublin 1804 emmet2025-03-19T18:52:33+00:00

Portrane Martello Tower, Portrane. County Dublin 1805

emmet2023-05-05T22:32:50+00:00

Torpedo-proof house with a view This Martello tower was built in 1805 as part of the British strategy in Ireland to prevent a French invasion. The Martello tower design was copied by the [...]

Portrane Martello Tower, Portrane. County Dublin 1805emmet2023-05-05T22:32:50+00:00

Skerries Martello Tower, Skerries. North County Dublin 1804

emmet2023-05-05T22:41:00+00:00

Once an amusement arcade! Skerries is a beautiful coastal town with 2 Martello towers on its coastline, one on Red Island near the harbor and the 2nd is on Shenick Island. There were [...]

Skerries Martello Tower, Skerries. North County Dublin 1804emmet2023-05-05T22:41:00+00:00

Dunree Fort, Dunree. County Donegal 1804

emmet2023-06-24T11:38:26+00:00

One of Ireland's most stunning coastal forts Dunree Fort is located on a rocky promontory strategically located near the entrance to Lough Swilly. It gets its name from 'dun fhraoigh' which translates to [...]

Dunree Fort, Dunree. County Donegal 1804 emmet2023-06-24T11:38:26+00:00