What is recorded here

Martello Tower rose on Haulbowline island between 1813 and 1815, costing 3,000 pounds to guard the Upper harbour entrance. Its oval limestone body stands nearly fourteen metres high, forcing visitors to climb wooden stairs before entering because the front door appears nowhere near ground level. The Naval Service now converts the restored interior into a museum, preserving the water tank hidden beneath the roof and the quiet danger of a place built to watch waiting ships.

On high ground at N edge of Haulbowline island, overlooking entrance to Upper harbour; formerly part of 'Ordnance Ground' (CO087-05902-), now occupied by Naval Service. Constructed 1813-15 at cost of £3,000 (Kerrigan 1978, 148). Built of coursed limestone blocks with entrance at 1st floor level approached by recently-erected wooden stairs. Oval in plan (14.6m x 9.1m; H c. 13.4m) (Enoch 1975, 28); large water tank installed in roof area. Restored wooden floor; tower is being converted into museum by Naval Service. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.