MARTELLO TOWER 16 IN SANDYMOUNT
THE TOWER THAT IS NOT THE JAMES JOYCE MARTELLO TOWER IS FOR SALE [IT IS IN SANDYMOUNT RATHER THAN SANDYCOVE]
If you’ve been strolling along Strand Road recently, you might have noticed a "For Sale" sign on one of Dublin’s most iconic coastal silhouettes. Martello Tower No. 16, a 19th-century fortification with a colourful civilian history, is officially seeking a new owner with a guide price of €1.5 million.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
Whin I photographed this structure on St Patrick’s Day 2026, many visitors were spotted at the Sandymount tower under the impression they had reached the famous James Joyce Tower. It’s an easy mistake to make—both are granite Martello towers overlooking Dublin Bay—but the literary landmark where Ulysses begins is actually tucked away in Sandycove, a few stops further south on the DART.
While the Sandymount tower (No. 16) has spent its life as a tramway office, a newsagent, and even a restaurant, the Sandycove tower (No. 11) is the one immortalised by Joyce.
The Opportunity
Tower No. 16 isn't just a relic; it’s a massive opportunity for the right investor. The property includes:
The Original Structure: Three levels of historic granite masonry.
The Modern Extension: A 20th-century addition on the seaward side, famous for its large windows and panoramic views of the bay.
Potential Uses: While it currently needs substantial refurbishment, it is being marketed for potential use as a boutique hospitality venue, a cultural space, or even a extraordinary private residence.
There is currently a public conversation led by local representatives urging the Office of Public Works (OPW) to acquire the tower for the state, ensuring it remains a heritage site for the community. For now, however, this piece of Dublin’s coastline remains a rare "fixer-upper" for anyone with a spare million and a love for the sea.
If you’ve been strolling along Strand Road recently, you might have noticed a "For Sale" sign on one of Dublin’s most iconic coastal silhouettes. Martello Tower No. 16, a 19th-century fortification with a colourful civilian history, is officially seeking a new owner with a guide price of €1.5 million.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
Whin I photographed this structure on St Patrick’s Day 2026, many visitors were spotted at the Sandymount tower under the impression they had reached the famous James Joyce Tower. It’s an easy mistake to make—both are granite Martello towers overlooking Dublin Bay—but the literary landmark where Ulysses begins is actually tucked away in Sandycove, a few stops further south on the DART.
While the Sandymount tower (No. 16) has spent its life as a tramway office, a newsagent, and even a restaurant, the Sandycove tower (No. 11) is the one immortalised by Joyce.
The Opportunity
Tower No. 16 isn't just a relic; it’s a massive opportunity for the right investor. The property includes:
The Original Structure: Three levels of historic granite masonry.
The Modern Extension: A 20th-century addition on the seaward side, famous for its large windows and panoramic views of the bay.
Potential Uses: While it currently needs substantial refurbishment, it is being marketed for potential use as a boutique hospitality venue, a cultural space, or even a extraordinary private residence.
There is currently a public conversation led by local representatives urging the Office of Public Works (OPW) to acquire the tower for the state, ensuring it remains a heritage site for the community. For now, however, this piece of Dublin’s coastline remains a rare "fixer-upper" for anyone with a spare million and a love for the sea.
MARTELLO TOWER 16