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.

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

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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 1805emmet2025-10-26T19:26:45+00:00

Dalkey Island, South County Dublin

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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 Dublinemmet2025-10-26T20:13:47+00:00

Old Fort, Shannonbridge. County Offaly 1810

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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 1810emmet2025-10-26T20:43:54+00:00

Millmount Martello Tower, Drogheda. Co.Louth 1808

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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 emmet2025-10-26T19:18:56+00:00

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

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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 emmet2025-10-25T14:57:20+00:00

Portrane Martello Tower, Portrane. County Dublin 1805

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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 1805emmet2025-10-26T19:34:36+00:00

Skerries Martello Tower, Skerries. North County Dublin 1804

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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 1804emmet2025-10-26T19:38:57+00:00