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 the turn of the nineteenth century, there was a constant fear in England and Ireland of a possible invasion by General Napoleon Bonaparte. As well as the 50 Martello towers that were built along the coast many buildings were also built along the Shannon River. This was to provide protection against a possible invasion from the west coast and further inland. You can find other fortifications along the Shannon between Portumna and Athlone. The Fort has had many uses over the last 200 years from being used by the military, as a residential family home, and more recently as a wonderful restaurant.