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Howth Martello Tower: A Coastal Fortress & Radio Museum

Explore a historic Martello tower in Howth, offering panoramic views and a unique vintage radio museum experience. #HowthHistory #RadioMuseum

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Perched in the scenic village of Howth, the Martello Tower (also known as Martello Tower 13b) is a historical landmark dating back to 1805. Originally built as a defensive structure against Napoleonic invasion, it now houses a vintage radio museum. Visitors can explore the tower's history and enjoy panoramic views of Dublin Bay.

A brief summary to Martello Tower

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours of the museum before your visit, as they may vary seasonally.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Howth Cliff Walk for stunning coastal scenery.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Dublin Bay from the tower.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a quieter and more personal experience.
  • After your visit, explore the nearby village of Howth for fresh seafood and local crafts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Howth DART station or the main bus stop on Main Street, walk east towards the harbor. Continue along Harbour Road, then turn left onto Abbey Street. The Martello Tower is located at 13b Abbey Street, approximately a 15-minute walk from the station. This is a pleasant walk with views of the sea.

  • Public Transport

    From Dublin city center, take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) to Howth Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, take Dublin Bus route 6 or H3 from Busáras (main bus station) to Howth. From either the DART station or the bus stop, follow the walking directions above. A Leap Visitor Card (€8 for 1 day, €16 for 3 days, €32 for 7 days) offers cost-effective travel on Dublin's public transport. A regular Leap Card offers a TFI 90-minute fare of €2.00 within Zone 1, which includes Howth.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Dublin city center or within Howth. A taxi from Dublin to Howth costs approximately €29-€35 and takes about 21 minutes. From Howth Junction to Howth, a taxi may cost around €19. A taxi from Howth to Dublin Airport can range from €32-€52. Within Howth, a short taxi ride to the Martello Tower from the harbor area will likely cost between €8-€12, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. Be aware that fares may be higher at night.

  • Driving

    From Dublin, follow signs for Howth. Parking is available around Howth Harbour, with both free and paid options. Paid parking is also available at the Summit Car Park. Be aware that Howth can be very busy, especially during the summer months, and parking may be limited. As of July 2025, Fingal County Council is proposing parking charges of €1 per hour, with the first hour free and a daily cap of €5, for car parks in Howth. Limited street parking is available along Bailey Green Road.

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Discover more about Martello Tower

Howth's Martello Tower, a robust stone structure, stands as a testament to early 19th-century military architecture. Constructed in 1805, it was part of a network of towers built by the British to defend against a potential invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte. The tower's strategic position overlooking Howth Harbour, Ireland's Eye, and the open sea made it an ideal lookout point. The tower itself is a wide, round structure built from local stone. Its entrance, located several meters above ground level, was originally accessed by a ladder, making it difficult for attackers to enter. Today, the tower has been carefully restored and transformed into a museum dedicated to the history of radio. Visitors can explore a fascinating collection of vintage radios dating from the 1900s to the present day. From the tower's roof, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, including Ireland's Eye, an island with another Martello tower. The Howth Martello Tower offers a unique blend of history, technology, and stunning scenery, making it a must-see attraction in Howth.

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