Overview
Glosh Tower sits on the summit of Termon Hill near the Gaeltacht village of Eachléim (Aughleam) on the Mullet Peninsula in north-west County Mayo. Built as a military observation post, the square stone structure rises 53 metres above sea level, its weathered walls reinforced with sturdy buttresses and protected by local quarry slates. The site remains the best-preserved Napoleonic signal tower in the county and offers one of the most commanding vantage points on the Wild Atlantic Way.
From the roof platform, the view stretches uninterrupted across Blacksod Bay to the offshore Inishkea Islands, with the distinct headland of Achill Island visible on clear days. The surrounding landscape of heath, machair grassland, and coastal dunes forms a designated Special Protection Area, making the hilltop a quiet refuge for both history visitors and wildlife enthusiasts.
History & The Signal Tower Network
The tower’s origins lie in the political turbulence of the late 18th century. Following the French landings at Bantry Bay and Kilcummin near Killala in 1798, British authorities moved quickly to secure Ireland’s vulnerable western coastline. Between 1801 and 1806, they commissioned a network of 82 signal stations designed to maintain line-of-sight communication along the seaboard.
Glosh Tower was completed in 1806 as a key relay point on the Mullet Peninsula. When a vessel was spotted on the horizon, lookouts would raise a flag, ball, or fire. The signal would then be passed to the next tower in the chain, eventually reaching the commanding station at the peninsula’s southern tip. The stations were staffed by poorly paid militia men posted to remote, exposed locations. As the French threat receded and diplomatic relations stabilised, the network lost its strategic purpose. Within a decade, most towers were abandoned to the elements, but Glosh Tower’s robust construction and sheltered position allowed it to survive largely intact.
What to See & Do
- Roof Platform Views – The open top of the tower provides a 360-degree viewing platform. On clear days, visibility extends to Blackrock Island and the distant Nephin Beg range. The stark geometry of the tower against the Atlantic sky makes it a striking subject for landscape photography.
- Heritage Context – The nearby Ionad Deirbhle – Eachléim Heritage Centre (located in a restored former schoolhouse) offers detailed displays on the signal tower network, the 1798 rebellion, and the maritime history of the Erris coast. Staff can provide context on how the semaphore and flag systems operated across the peninsula.
- Walking & Birdwatching – Termon Hill is easily incorporated into longer coastal routes like the Erris Head Loop. The surrounding machair grasslands and dunes are a breeding ground for the severely endangered corncrake. Visitors between May and September may hear the bird’s distinctive hissing call at dusk. The area also supports nesting terns, shearwaters, and overwintering wildfowl.
- Tír Sáile Sculpture Trail – The tower sits within the broader Mullet Peninsula sculpture trail, where contemporary artworks are placed in dialogue with historic landmarks. The interplay between the 19th-century stonework and modern installations adds an unexpected cultural layer to the visit.
Practical Information
Glosh Tower is freely accessible with no admission charge or formal opening hours. The structure is an open-air ruin, so visitors should prepare for exposed conditions and wind.
Getting There
- By Car: Drive from Belmullet along the R314 westward toward Eachléim. Follow local signposts to an unpaved access lane that leads to a small parking area at the base of Termon Hill. The final approach is a short, gentle walk across grassland.
- By Public Transport: Bus Éireann route 446 connects Ballina with Belmullet. From Belmullet, visitors can arrange a local taxi or join an organised heritage walk to the hill.
Visitor Tips
- The ground around the tower is uneven and can be slippery when wet. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and the site is not suitable for pushchairs or those with significant mobility restrictions.
- Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a short lead during the corncrake breeding season (April–July) to protect ground-nesting birds.
- The Ionad Deirbhle Heritage Centre provides maps and interpretive panels. Opening hours vary seasonally, so check their website or call ahead before planning your visit.
The tower’s remote location means there are no cafes or facilities on-site, so pack water and weather-appropriate layers. Arriving in the late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, as the low sun highlights the slate cladding and casts long shadows across the bay.