A storied Martello Tower fixer-upper with big gun bragging rights and epic Killiney Bay views

Looking for a talking point Martello Tower home with spectacular sea vistas, a fine fortification history and set on 0.90 of an acre in one of the capital’s ritziest neighbourhoods?

Even in a part of the south Dublin suburbs where castles and turreted homes are considered relatively commonplace, this walled site offers serious bragging rights.

Set high on the seaward side of Killiney Hill, Martello Tower 7 offers three properties for the price of one, says selling agent Simon Stokes of Stokes Property, which is seeking €1.75million (August 31st 2025) for the rather unusual series of residences.

It certainly is relatively unique in coastal county Dublin.

Martello Tower

The property includes a Napoleonic era Martello tower, one of about 50 fortifications built along the coast of Ireland to protect the territory from French forces; a substantial, two-storey-over-basement house that is unfinished internally and a one-bed gunner’s cottage, rebuilt by the previous owner, Niall O’Donoghue, who also oversaw the substantial restoration works.  

It also includes an artillery store, a tool shed, and a gunpowder store.

Martello Tower 7 is one of about 28 such towers built along the Dublin County coast. All offer 360-degree views from the top.

This one happens to be framed by some of the most expensive real estate in the city’s suburbs. Laid out over two floors, it extends to 120 sq metres, the size of a standard three-bed semi.

The property was extensively restored by its former owner, who bought it in the 1990s and whose attention to detail included having a proofed 18-pounder long gun cast and shipped from the UK to sit atop it.

O’Donoghue even trained as a gunner and heralded the end of the 10-year restoration project by firing the gun himself.

It all adds to the appeal of this storied site, where the main interest from buyers will be the two-storey over basement 450 square metre detached structure.

The concrete, steel, and block construction has a smooth plastered exterior and a flat roof.  It is unfinished internally and requires electrical, plumbing, joinery, internal plastering, etc. Even in its raw state, the views from it are compelling.

On the site too is a gunner’s cottage, rebuilt completely, as the original had fallen into a parlous state. The one-bedroom detached residence extends to 42 square metres.

The next owner will need deep pockets but can expect to rub shoulders with single-name musician celebrities nearby, such as Bono, with possible rare sightings of Enya.

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