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Howth Sutton Lions Club

44 years serving the community

Howth Martello Tower - Museum & Visitor Centre

RESTORATION PROJECT PROMOTED BY LIONS

Howth Martello Tower, overlooking the Harbour and Marina, with 'Ireland's Eye'
and Lambay Islands in the background

Martello Tower in Howth as a local Museum

Three chains launch one Tower Museum!

Lion President Tom Keane, Fingal Co Council Cathaoirleach Councillor Ned Ryan and Lion District Governor Bill Goggins after the launch of the Martello Tower Museum, Howth.

A project close to the hearts of members of Howth Sutton Lions Club reached the end of its initial phase on June 8th, 2001. The Howth Martello Tower was officially opened as a Museum by the Cathaoirleach (Chairman) of Fingal County Council, Councillor Ned Ryan with members of Fingal County Council.

We are very grateful to Lion District Governor (105I) Bill Goggins who attended the ceremony and gave a talk on Lionism's concern for the environment and for improved local co-operation, stating that Howth Sutton Lions Club exemplified this.

The Cathaoirleach spoke of Fingal County Council's participation in the project, especially in the persons of Michael Galvin, Head of F.C.C. Development Department, and Claire Connots, Community Officer. He reiterated their commitment to the continued success of the museum.

Lion President Tom Keane said that the Tower Project was initiated in 1995,by the then Lions Club President, Jim Cocoran (see over), who wished to celebrate the Club's 25^th year of community work with an environmental project. Howth/Sutton Lions Club will continue its interest in the Tower and provide two members on the Howth Peninsula Heritage Society, management committee of this unique museum and visitor centre.

About Martello Towers

Howth Sutton Lion President Tom Keane, Lion District Governor Bill Goggins and Past Lion Vice District Governor, Jim Corcoran (centre) at the launch.

In 1803, Martello Towers were constructed along the east and south coasts of Ireland by the English authorities as gun fortresses against possible French invasion of Ireland, and hence England by the back-door. In the event they were never used.
A number of these towers are situated near the entrance to Dublin Bay. One of these Martello Towers, at Sandy-mount, was made famous by James Joyce in Ulysses. The Howth Martello Tower was later used by the telegraph services as a landfall terminus for the cable across the Irish Sea from England to Ireland. With improved communications between both countries, the Howth Martello Tower had been in disuse for about the past 15 or more years.

Lion Pat & Gloria Doonan sheltering from a passing shower at the launch.

Two members of Howth Sutton Lions Club continue active participation at Committee level, one Secretary, of Howth Peninsula Heritage Society. This society holds among other activities monthly Public Lectures in Howth with invited guest lecturers. Howth Sutton Lions Club also continues to be represented on the Martello Museum Board.

Last updated January21, 2009.

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