A cylindrical stone tower with stairs and green railings stands on a paved area next to the sea.
Monkstown features this historic Martello Tower on the coast, overlooking the blue Irish Sea. Courtesy DLRCoCo

Seapoint Martello Tower

📍 Seapoint, Dublin

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 28 May 2026

Overview

Perched on the cliffs at the northern end of Seapoint, the Seapoint Martello Tower is a striking circular stone structure that overlooks the deep blue waters of Dublin Bay. While its whitewashed walls and flat roof still echo a defensive past, today the tower serves a much more practical purpose: it houses free public showers and toilets for beachgoers. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, it offers a convenient base for swimming, cycling, or coastal walking without requiring a ticket or advance booking.

History & Architecture

Known locally as Martello Tower No 14, this fort was constructed between 1804 and 1805 during a period of intense anxiety over a potential French invasion under Napoleon. It was one of 28 towers built along the Dublin coastline from Balbriggan to Bray, designed to cover the bay with heavy cannon fire. The architecture follows a proven blueprint inspired by the Genoese tower at Mortella Point in Corsica, which successfully withstood a siege in 1794.

The tower stands roughly 12 metres high, with masonry walls up to 2.4 metres thick to absorb cannonballs. Its ground floor originally functioned as a magazine and storage area, while the first floor housed the garrison. A flat roof terrace, or terre-plein, supported a single heavy gun on a rotating platform, allowing defenders to track ships across the bay. Narrow slit windows provided cover for musket fire. After the Napoleonic threat faded, the tower transitioned to civilian use, notably serving as the headquarters for the Genealogy Society of Ireland before damp conditions necessitated a move. Now a protected structure managed by Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, it retains its original stone lintels, gun emplacements, and robust circular footprint.

What to See & Do

The tower’s compact size means the experience is as much about the surrounding coastline as the structure itself:

  • Swimming & Beach Access – Seapoint Beach is a flat, shallow stretch popular for families. The north end features slipways and handrails that make entering the water straightforward at high tide.
  • Coastal Walking – The site sits directly on the Dublin Coastal Trail, a well-maintained path that connects beaches, harbours, and historic sites across the south coast.
  • Water Sports – The southern section of the beach is a recognised spot for kayaking and canoeing, with calm waters ideal for beginners.
  • Panoramic Views – Step outside the tower for clear sightlines across Dublin Bay toward the Dublin Mountains and the Wicklow coastline.
  • Amenities – Inside, you’ll find clean, well-maintained shower and toilet facilities. Note that the internal staircase is occasionally closed for safety maintenance, so interior access can vary.

Practical Information

  • Opening hours – 7 days a week, 10am – 4pm
  • Admission – Free
  • Parking – There is no dedicated car park. A limited number of street spaces are available on Seapoint Avenue and adjacent residential roads. Arriving early on summer weekends is strongly recommended.
  • Accessibility – The tower is not wheelchair accessible and lacks facilities for visitors with mobility impairments.
  • Contact – For enquiries, call Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council on 01 205 4700.

Getting There

  • DART – The most straightforward option is to take the DART to Seapoint station. From the platform, follow the coastal path eastward; the tower’s round silhouette will be visible from the promenade.
  • Bus – Dublin Bus routes 7 and 7A stop at Queen’s Park, a short walk from the beach access points.
  • Cycling – The tower sits on the Coastal Mobility Route, a dedicated, traffic-free cycle corridor. You can ride safely from Dún Laoghaire Harbour or continue east toward Sandycove.
  • Car – Brighton Vale connects directly to Seapoint Avenue, ending near the tower. The road is narrow, so allow extra time during peak beach season.
  • Taxi – Available from the city, though the DART or bus from Dublin city centre is typically more economical.

Seasonal & Visiting Tips

  • Lifeguard coverage – Professional lifeguards patrol the beach from late June to early September, making the southern end the safest zone for swimming and water sports during these months.
  • Tide awareness – The north-end slipways are most accessible at high tide. Check a local tide table before heading out, especially if you plan to swim or launch a kayak.
  • Dogs – Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach outside of restricted seasons, but they are not permitted inside the tower or its facilities.
  • Photography – Early morning or late afternoon light casts the best shadows across the tower’s stone walls and highlights the texture of the surrounding cliffs.

Nearby Attractions

A short stroll east along the promenade leads to the Seapoint Lifeguard Station and the lively Dún Laoghaire Harbour, where you’ll find sailing clubs, independent cafés, and ferry services. If you have time to extend your coastal walk, head further east to Sandycove to visit the Tower Museum, a fully restored Martello tower that offers interactive exhibits on Dublin’s maritime and military history.

Plan your visit around the tide schedule, arrive early for parking in summer, and take advantage of the free facilities to rinse off after a swim. The tower’s straightforward layout and coastal setting make it a reliable stop on any south Dublin itinerary.