Finavarra Tower, Martello tower in County Clare, Ireland
Finavarra Tower is a round stone structure built on Finavarra Point with three gun placements mounted on its roof and thick defensive walls. The sturdy construction overlooks Ballyvaughan Bay, where defenders once watched for approaching vessels.
The tower was built between 1812 and 1816 during the Napoleonic Wars to protect Ireland's coastline from French invasion threats. It formed part of a larger defensive system that stretched across the Irish coast.
The tower received national recognition when Mrs. Maureen Emerson donated the structure and surrounding lands to the Irish State in 1999.
The tower is accessible through walking trails, with nearby barracks ruins adding context to your visit. Wear appropriate footwear, as path conditions vary depending on the weather.
The barracks next to the tower housed ten soldiers, while the neighboring Aughinish Tower could accommodate forty men. This size difference reveals how various coastal points were defended with varying troop strengths.
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