Red Island Martello Tower

Overview

Red Island Martello Tower sits on the small headland that juts into the Irish Sea just north of Dublin. It forms one half of a pair of Martello forts that guard the Skerries coastline – the other stands on Shenick Island. The squat stone structure is a favourite stop on the popular Skerries Coastal Walk. Its solid granite walls, nine‑foot thickness and elevated gun platform make it instantly recognisable, while the surrounding sand flats and sea‑sprayed air give the site a timeless, almost cinematic feel.

The tower is freely accessible and can be reached on foot from the South Shore Esplanade. At low tide the sand flats expose a natural causeway that leads directly to Red Island, allowing walkers to cross safely to the fort. For those arriving by car, a small free car park sits at the head of Red Island Harbour – a short three‑to‑five‑minute walk from the tower entrance.

Architecture

The tower is designated as Martello Tower No 11 (DU005‑018) in the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. Built in 1804 under the direction of Colonel Benjamin Fisher of the Royal Engineers, it is a two‑storey circular rubble structure rendered with lime. The entrance sits on the first‑floor level, originally accessed by an external ladder protected by a projecting machicolation – a classic defensive feature. Inside, a guardroom and ammunition store lie beneath a flat roof that once supported a 24‑pounder cannon on a circular gun platform. A small privy remains on the southeast side, and eight boundary stones that marked the military land are still visible around the perimeter.

History

The word Martello derives from Mortella, the name of a Corsican headland where the British first encountered a similar round‑tower design in 1794. During that year two British ships, the Fortitude and the Juno, bombarded the original Mortella tower while supporting a Corsican uprising against French rule. A lucky shot ignited the tower, forcing the 33 defenders – armed with only three cannons – to surrender. The dramatic defence impressed British military planners, and when the threat of a Napoleonic invasion loomed over Ireland in 1804, a chain of Martello towers was erected along the eastern and southern coasts.

Red Island’s tower was built from solid granite, its walls a formidable nine feet thick. Inside, a guardroom and ammunition store sit beneath a flat roof that once supported three cannons on a circular platform. The entrance sits between ten and fifteen feet above ground level, accessed originally by a ladder or removable steps – a defensive feature common to all Martello forts. Though the feared French invasion never materialised, the tower remained a key part of Ireland’s coastal warning system throughout the 19th century.

What to See & Do

• Climb the platform – While the interior is largely open‑air, the roof platform is safe to explore. From here you can enjoy 360° views of the Irish Sea, spotting the three nearby islands of Shenick, St Patrick’s and Colt. On clear days the Dublin skyline is visible in the distance.
• Explore the stonework – Notice the massive granite blocks, the narrow slit windows and the eight historic boundary stones that still mark the original military perimeter.
• Photography – The tower’s stark silhouette against the sea makes for striking photos, especially at sunrise or during the golden hour. The surrounding sand flats and occasional seabirds add natural framing.
• Kayaking & Kite‑boarding – The waters around the tower are popular with kayakers and kite‑boarders, especially in the summer months when the tide is favourable. Local groups often launch from Skerries Harbour and paddle out to the tower for a unique perspective.
• Poetry & Cultural Events – The tower has served as a venue for the Fingal Poetry Festival (e.g., the 2021 “Festival‑in‑a‑Van” readings). Keep an eye on the Fingal County Council events calendar for occasional music, poetry or community gatherings.
• 3‑D Virtual Tour – A detailed 3‑D model of Red Island Martello Tower is available on Sketchfab, allowing remote exploration of the structure’s interior and exterior.
• Combine with the coastal walk – The Red Island Martello Tower is a highlight of the Skerries Coastal Walk, which continues along Barnageeragh Bay, past North Strand Bay Beach and onto the historic town centre. The walk offers benches, interpretive signs and occasional glimpses of historic fishing boats.

Practical Information

Red Island Martello Tower is free to visit and has no formal opening hours; the site is open year‑round, weather permitting. The tower is best accessed during low tide when the sand flats are exposed – tide tables are available at the Skerries Visitor Information Centre or online via the Irish Meteorological Service.

• Parking – Free car park on Red Island (3‑5 min walk to tower). The area also accommodates boat trailers for anglers.
• Public transport – Skerries railway station is a 30‑minute train ride from Dublin Connolly, with regular services to the town centre. From the station, a short bus or taxi ride brings you to the South Shore Esplanade where the coastal walk begins.
• Accessibility – The promenade and car park are level and wheelchair‑friendly, but the tower’s historic entrance involves steps and a narrow doorway, making interior access challenging for visitors with limited mobility.
• Tide safety – Always check the tide before crossing the sand flats. The causeway disappears at high tide and can leave walkers stranded.
• Nearby amenities – After exploring the tower, you can relax at one of the harbour‑side cafés such as Storm in a Teacup or Goat in the Boat. For a more substantial meal, the Blue Bar and Stoop Your Head are popular eateries within walking distance.

Further reading – Detailed historical background can be found on the Skerries Homepage Martello Tower page (if restored) and the Old Skerries site. The Skerries Coastal Walk is described by Fingal County Council on its official walk guide. A 3‑D model of the tower is available on Sketchfab.

Barnageera Beach is a nearby spot worth a detour on the coastal walk.