Martello Tower

At the beginning of the 19th century there was a threat of an invasion of Ireland by Napoleon. Thus, as a response in 1801 Martello towers were built in order to defend against approaches to Derry. Six were constructed around Lough Swilly and two at the mouth of Lough Foyle, one at Magilligan and one in Greencastle. They were built in six short months at a cost of £1,800 and were each armed with a smooth bore cannon.

When the Battle of Trafalgar had ended in 1805, the Martello Tower in Greencastle was extended to a Fort and completed in 1812. The building consisted of a lower and upper fort each armed with cannons. In 1838 the Fort was turned into a barracks when more than eighty men were stationed there.

The last commander of the Fort was Captain Dunlop, who retired in 1870. During the latter half of the century the Fort was used as a recruiting depot but in 1891 it was considered obsolete. The Donegal Militia was the last military force to be stationed there.

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