What is recorded here

Telegraph Signal Station is a circular Martello tower on the south side of Bear Island, built with a moat, vaulted roof and roof walk before it became a telegraph station by the end of the nineteenth century. It still has the shape of a small defensive room: a narrow stair, splayed windows, a paved roof and a chamber set into the parapet. The tower may have begun life watching for ships or invaders, then learned to send messages instead of firing guns.

On S side of Bear Island. Circular, gently tapering tower (H c. 7m) with surrounding moat. Barrel-shaped internal ground plan (6.09m N-S; 6.09m E-W); vaulted roof (long axis N-S) over first floor. First floor door to N with machicolation overhead. Spiral stairs on first floor to NW providing access up to roof level. Splayed first floor windows to E and S with smaller barred windows beneath at ground floor level. Paved roof area with mural chamber in parapet wall; wall walk with gun carriage track. Converted to Telegraph Station by end of 19th century. Ordnance grounds to NE of tower (c. 0.5 km) with remains of battery (CO128-017---). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

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