Reliving British Rule at the Martello Towers
One of the most iconic pieces of architecture from the British Rule of Ireland is the Martello Towers. These towers are dotted across all of Ireland, totalling 50 in total. When I first visited the one near Sutton, I was in awe of the sheer size of the massive tower.
There are a total of nine different Martello Towers in Dublin City, each with a unique purpose and function. Each is a historic monument of its own, and we’re here to tell you about each one of them.
Whether you’re looking to visit the most popular one in Sutton or the Joyce Tower Museum, we’ve got the guide for you.
What are the Martello Towers Known for?
The Martello Towers are historic landmarks of British Rule across Ireland. These towers were used to defend Ireland from invaders, and each one has since been turned into a Heritage site of its own.
Best Time to Go to the Martello Towers
We’d highly suggest that you visit the Martello Towers in the mornings of Spring or Summer, as the winds are perfect at this time, as they’re not too cold. There are rarely crowds at these towers, so you can head at any time if you’re not fond of morning trips.
Things to Know about the Martello Towers
Address: The Martello Towers are located near the shorelines of Dublin Bay. Here is the address of each of the Martello Towers that you can visit, that is located in Dublin.
| MARTELLO TOWERS LOCATIONS | |
| Tower Name | Address |
| Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio | Martello Tower 13b, Abbey St, Howth, Co. Dublin, D13 V099, Ireland |
| Martello Tower Sutton | Red Rock, Sutton, Co. Dublin, Ireland |
| Martello Tower Number 14 Seapoint | Seapoint Or Templehill, Dublin, Ireland |
| Joyce Tower Museum | Sandycove Point, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 FX33, Ireland |
Operating Hours: The Martello Towers available for visitation are open 7 days a week. Each of them has a roughly the same schedule, opening at 10:00 AM and closing around 4:00 PM.
Parking: Each of the National Museums of Ireland has its own parking policy. Here is a table listing the parking arrangements for each museum.
| MARTELLO TOWER PARKING | |
| Tower Name | Parking Arrangement |
| Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio | There is parking nearby, just south of the Howth Playground. |
| Martello Tower Sutton | There is on-street parking available. There is also private parking inside the walled and gated area of the tower. |
| Martello Tower Number 14 Seapoint | There is parking nearby, but it is limited, so be prepared to look for alternative parking spaces. |
| Joyce Tower Museum | There is no parking at the Joyce Tower Museum. We’d recommend looking for parking elsewhere, such as Cowshed Car Park. |
Contact Information: Each of the Martello Towers is operated by a different organisation. Here is a table of the contact information for each tower.
| MARTELLO TOWER CONTACT INFORMATION | |
| Tower Name | Contact Information |
| Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio | +353 86 381 8865 [email protected] |
| Martello Tower Sutton | +353 86 164 2671[email protected] |
| Martello Tower Number 14 Seapoint | 01 205 4700[email protected] |
| Joyce Tower Museum | +353 (0)1 280 9265[email protected] |
Accessibility at the Martello Towers
None of the Martello Towers has any accommodations for those with disabilities.
How to Get to the Martello Towers
Each of the Martello Towers is located in a different place in Dublin. Here is a guide on how to get to each one.
Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio
Car: Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio can be reached via Abbey Street, which is accessible from St. Lawrence Road, Church Street, Harbour Road, and E Pier.
Dublin Bus: Here are the Dublin Bus routes that head to Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 6 | Abbey Street Stop | Monday to Friday: • 6:10 AM – 12:10 AM Saturday: • 6:35 AM – 12:10 AM Sunday: • 7:10 AM – 12:10 AM |
| Route H3 | Abbey Street Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:45 AM – 11:45 PM Saturday: • 6:10 AM – 11:45 PM Sunday: • 7:45 AM – 11:45 PM |
Bike: You can easily head through the same road we suggested in the car section. As for bike parking, you can park at the nearby car park just south of the Howth Playground.
DART Train System: The closest DART train station to Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio is the Howth Dart Station.
Taxi: You can easily get a taxi to Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio. We wouldn’t suggest doing this if you’re coming from Dublin City, as this will be extremely expensive.
Martello Tower Sutton
The Martello Tower Sutton is located on an unmarked road, accessible via Shielmartin Road.
Dublin Bus: There is only one bus route that travels to Martello Tower, Sutton. Below is the specific route and stop for the tower.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 6 | Shielmartin Road Stop | Monday to Friday: • 6:10 AM – 12:10 AM Saturday: • 6:35 AM – 12:10 AM Sunday: • 7:10 AM – 12:10 AM |
Bike: It’s quite easy to bike to Martello Tower, Sutton. We advise that if your bike can’t handle rough roads, do not use it, as the roads aren’t as well-developed as the main city roads.
Taxi: Heading here by taxi is quite easy. However, it will be expensive, especially if you’re coming from Dublin City.
Martello Tower Number 14 Seapoint
Car: Martello Tower Number 14, Seapoint can be accessed through Brighton Vale. This road is connected to Seapoint Avenue. There is no other way to access Brighton Vale.
Dublin Bus: Two bus routes traverse near Martello Tower Number 14, Seapoint. Here are the specific routes and the bus stop that is closest to the tower.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 7 | Queen’s Park Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:45 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: • 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: • 7:50 AM – 11:15 PM |
| Route 7A | Queen’s Park Stop | Monday to Friday: • 6:00 AM – 11:15 PM Saturday: • 6:15 AM – 11:10 PM Sunday: • 8:10 AM – 11:30 PM |
Bike: Biking to Martello Tower Number 14, Seapoint, is quite easy if you follow the recommended routes.
DART Train System: The closest DART train station to Martello Tower Number 14, Seapoint, is the Seapoint station.
Taxi: Martello Tower Number 14, Seapoint is located at the southern end of Dublin City. We wouldn’t recommend getting a taxi when heading here unless you’re willing to spend quite a bit for the fare.
Joyce Tower Museum
Car: Joyce Tower Museum can be accessed through Sandcove Point. This road can be accessed through Sandycove Avenue West and Sandycove Avenue East.
Dublin Bus: There is only one Dublin Bus route that travels near the Joyce Tower Museum.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 7D | Elton Park Stop | Monday to Friday:7:15 AM – 5:35 PM |
Bike: You can easily bike to the Joyce Tower Museum by heading to Sandycove Point. You can park your bike at Sandycove Beach, as there are bike racks near there.
Taxi: We wouldn’t recommend riding a taxi to the Joyce Tower Museum, as it will be expensive, especially when coming from Dublin City Centre.
Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio
Media Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org
Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio is a Martello Tower owned by Fingal County Council. The tower has since been repurposed as a museum dedicated to the art of vintage radio through the lens of historical Irish events.
The museum features many pieces of old radio equipment. You can also find a variety of memorabilia, including music boxes, posters, photographs, telegrams, batteries, and even early televisions.
The collection has been amassed by Pat Herbert since the 1950s and has become a vast private collection that can be viewed at this museum. The museum is open seven days a week, but there are limited slots available each day.
Martello Tower Sutton
Media Credit: https://martellotowersutton.com
The Martello Tower Sutton is an accommodation experience ideal for those seeking a seaside retreat. Located near the coastline of Dublin Bay, and consists of three levels.
The lower level features two bedrooms and a bathroom. The middle level includes a living area with a balcony overlooking the bay. The roof level offers a modern kitchen and dining room, both of which provide a wonderful view.
You can easily book this through their website. Be warned that it’s quite difficult to get from here to Dublin City, so be sure to rent a car if you ever stay here.
Martello Tower Number 14 Seapoint
Media Credit: https://irishmartellotowers.wordpress.com
Matrello Tower Number 14 Seapoint is no longer in use. It was once the headquarters of the Genealogy Society of Ireland, but due to the damp conditions, it has been abandoned and has been underutilised ever since.
Nowadays, Martello Tower Number 14, Seapoint, is being utilised by the nearby beach. The interior is still intact, and many of the paraphernalia used when it was part of Ireland’s military past remain.
The tower is now used as a place for people to shower after their time at the beach. It’s also used for toilets and can still be explored by visitors to this day.
Joyce Tower Museum
Media Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org
The Joyce Tower Museum was a Martello Tower that appeared in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses, which has since been converted into a museum dedicated to the famed author.
The tower is open most days and is free for visitors to access. It’s become a hub of reading enlightenment, especially during Bloomsday. Many tourists and locals flock to the tower during this special occasion, where they have open readings of Ulysses.
The tower has also been visited by James Joyce himself, as he stayed there for six nights in 1904. Now, many of Joyce’s avid readers take a pilgrimage to the tower every so often to bask in the glory of James Joyce and his magnificent works.
Where to Stay When Heading to the Martello Towers
Seeing as the Martello Towers are far away from each other, we’d highly suggest that you peruse through some of our suggestions, as these places offer the best experience while still giving you access to the Martello Towers and other tourist spots in Dublin.
Martello Tower Sutton
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Website: https://martellotowersutton.com
Address: Red Rock, Sutton, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 86 164 2671
Price Range: Starts at €525
What’s better than visiting a Martello Tower? Staying in one. While this might be one of the most expensive places we’ve recommended for a stay, it’s not without reason, as it gives you the full experience of staying and visiting a Martello Tower in one.
This Martello Tower Sutton is not without its perks. You’re given a comfortable bedroom with the largest and most comfortable bed we’ve stayed in, a modern kitchen and living area that is elegantly furnished, and an amazing view.
If you plan to stay here, we recommend that you consider renting a vehicle. Aside from that, if you want to feel like royalty for a few days, then this is definitely the option for you.
LATROUPE Jacobs Inn
Media Credit: LATROUPE Jacobs Inn Instagram
Website: https://www.latroupe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoinLatroupe/
Address: 21-28 Talbot Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 W5P8, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 855 5660
Price Range: Starts at €23.66
Latroupe is no stranger to those who frequently visit Dublin City. It offers some of the most affordable rooms at the most competitive price points. While labelled as a hostel, they also offer private rooms that are comfortable and spacious without breaking the bank.
Some of the most notable amenities at Latroupe include their open daily bar, 24-hour reception, breakfast available from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and modern laundry facilities.
We recommended Latroupe because it’s the best accommodation near one of Dublin’s most accessible DART stations, the Connolly station. It’s just a short 4-minute walk to the station, and you can easily head to each of the Martello Towers from there.
Ashfield Hostel
Media Credit: Ashfield Hostel Instagram
Website: https://www.ashfieldhostel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshfieldHostel
Address: 19/20 D’Olier Street, Dublin 2, D02 K129, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 679 7734
Price Range: Starts at €64
Ashfield Hostel is situated in the heart of Dublin City Centre, catering to travellers who want to socialise with fellow guests while staying in comfort. They offer dorm rooms and private rooms, which, while comfortable, are not among the best in the market.
What has piqued our interest every time we stay at Ashfield Hostel is their open-area common rooms. We’ve made some lifelong friends just from staying there. They also offer modern internet facilities and a fully equipped kitchen for your use during your stay.
We recommend Ashfield Hostel primarily due to its proximity to various forms of public transportation. While it isn’t the closest to the DART stations, it’s near many of the other tourist spots and heritage sites that you should also visit when you’re staying in Dublin.
Hilton Garden Inn
Media Credit: Hilton Garden Inn Instagram
Website: https://www.hilton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hgidublin
Address: Custom House Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, D01 V9X5, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 854 1500
Price Range: Starts at €157
The Hilton Garden Inn offers a world-class experience right in the heart of Dublin City. Situated on the banks of the River Liffey, you’ll enjoy a straightforward experience at this hotel, where every transaction is smooth and easy without compromising on quality.
The Hilton Garden Inn is ideal for those who are already familiar with the Hilton’s high-quality service. It’s even more fitting for those who carry a Hilton Honours membership. Yes, you can enjoy several additional amenities that aren’t accessible to others.
The Hilton Garden Inn is also conveniently located near Connolly Train Station, allowing easy access to the Martello Towers. It is perfectly situated near other popular tourist attractions, such as EPIC, the Custom House, and the Convention Centre Dublin.
The Address Hotel Connolly
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Website: https://www.theaddressconnolly.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAddressConnolly
Address: Amiens St, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 X6P6, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 836 3136
Price Range: Starts at €149
Formerly known as the North Star Hotel, The Address Connolly is the ideal downtown hotel for those visiting Dublin for either leisure or business purposes. The hotel offers a blend of traditional and modern designs, creating a unique ambience that is truly unmatched.
Some of the most notable amenities we’ve found interesting at The Address Connolly are its restaurant and bar, the free Wi-Fi accessible throughout the hotel, the modern fitness centre, and its relaxing spa and sauna.
We’ve chosen the Address Connolly because it’s a fairly priced hotel that’s easy to access from all forms of public transport and is just a short walk from Connolly Train Station.
Tips When Visiting the Martello Towers
Whether you’re visiting the Martello Towers up north or the ones located in the south, we’ve got a few tips that’ll surely make a difference to your visit. Make sure to follow at least one of these to make the most out of your trip to any of the Martello Towers.
Stay In Dublin City Centre
While it might be tempting to stay near the Martello Towers or at Martello Tower Sutton, we’d highly advise that you simply stay near Dublin City Centre. It’s easier to travel from the city centre than to the city centre.
Visit the Beach
We’d highly suggest that you go for a beach day when heading to Martello Tower Number 14, Seapoint. This is one of the loveliest beaches in Dublin and is far more accessible than other beaches in the area.
Join a James Joyce Tour
There are some tours, especially those hosted on or near Bloomsday, that are perfect for those who want to fully experience the Joyce Tower Museum. They also include live readings and opportunities to mingle with the locals.
Utilise The DART
The DART train system is your friend when visiting the Martello Towers. Each tower is close to a DART station. It’s also the most accessible and cheapest way to get from Dublin City Centre to any of the towers and to many other tourist spots.
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