Haulbowline Island Martello Tower

Detached circular-plan multiple-storey Martello tower, built 1822. Dressed limestone walls with cut limestone coping and carved limestone water drainage spouts. Square-headed and segmental-headed openings having replacement timber windows. Segmental-headed door opening to first storey with replacement timber battened door and approached by flight of metal steps.

Martello towers are small forts built by the British forces in several countries from the time of the Napoleonic Wars until the middle of the nineteenth century. This example was constructed as one of a line of defences built in anticipation of an invasion of Cork harbour from the mainland. It survives largely intact and together the other naval buildings on Haulbowline, forms an interesting part of the history of the area.