FRIDAY 23 MAY 2025
The Williamstown Martello Tower, located in Blackrock Park, Dublin, is a squat, cylindrical masonry fort built between 1804 and 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars. Originally constructed in the inter-tidal zone, it was partially submerged at high tide, a unique feature among the Dublin towers. The building of the Dublin to Kingstown railway in 1834, followed by the creation of Blackrock Park in 1873, ultimately landlocked the tower and raised the surrounding ground level, burying its ground floor. This historical defence, designed to accommodate two 24-pounder cannons and resist cannon fire with its thick walls, was part of a chain of Martello towers along the Irish coastline intended to deter a French invasion. Today, the tower stands as a notable landmark, awaiting proposed restoration efforts to allow for community use.
The tower is situated within Blackrock Park, which forms a key part of the linear park and greenway system stretching along the south Dublin coastline. This accessible route, often referred to as the Blackrock Cycle Route or part of the wider East Coast Trail (formerly Sutton to Sandycove or “S2S”), provides a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. It links various coastal villages and towns, offering scenic views and promoting active travel for both leisure and commuting. The park itself is a large grassed area, bordered by the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) railway line, and offers a pleasant coastal walkway.