Cloghane Signal Tower

Freestanding two-bay three-stage signal tower, built 1805, now disused. Later three-bay single-storey extension (north-east) and concrete flight of steps (south-east). Pitched roof with rendered chimneystack to north-east gable. Rubble stone walls with remains slate hanging. Square-headed window openings with stone and concrete sills. Square-headed door opening to first floor (south-west) blocked with rubble stone. Later three-bay single-storey extension comprising pitched roof, rubble stone walls, square-headed window openings having concrete sills and lintels with rendered surrounds. Square-headed door opening (south-east) with raised rendered surround and limestone step. Enclosed by rubble stone boundary walls. Single-bay single-storey concrete look-out post, built c. 1940, to south having canted front (south-west) elevation. Comprising flat roof, concrete walls and square-headed openings.

One of a network of signal towers built around the south, east and west coasts in the early nineteenth century to ensure a quick response to attempted invasion, following a failed effort by a French fleet to land at Bantry in 1796. Though now in ruins, this example is typical of the square-plan and first floor entrance style of these signal towers. The World War II look-out post provides an interesting contrast, with very different form and materials providing similar defensive and communication functions.