Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

Magilligan Martello Tower EHOD 2025

Point Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LR
Martello Tower

About

This well preserved Martello Tower at Magilligan Point, built between 1812 and 1817 during the Napoleonic Wars to guard against possible invasion, is an important historical site in Northern Ireland.

The Tower is a well known landmark, marks the entrance to Lough Foyle and is one of the most northerly of the towers built all around the coasts of Ireland.

It was one of 74 constructed in Ireland, 40 or so survive. They were placed at strategic points all around the coast and designed to fire on any invading fleet or withstand lengthy sieges. This tower marks the end of a long tradition in Ireland of defensive buildings stretching back over 3,000 years to Bronze Age forts.

The walls are over 9ft thick and built of imported stone. There are three floors. The top floor housed a twenty-four pound cannon gun able to swivel and shoot in any direction. A small furnace was used to heat the shot in order to set wooden ships on fire. The middle floor was the living quarters for one officer and twelve men. Below is the cellar. This is reached by a spiral staircase. There is a water well and storage rooms for gunpowder and food. The entrance to the tower has been changed. An iron staircase now replaces the original wooden ladder.

Living History events take place here at the Tower during the summer months.

Martello Tower lies within Magilligan Point Nature Reserve which is the tip of Northern Ireland’s largest sand dune system. The ever changing tides and storm events constantly change the profile of the beach, dunes and shape of the ‘Point’ itself. The mature or ‘grey dunes’ have established populations of various mosses, lichens, grasses, herbs and higher flowering plants providing a good nectar source for a variety of bee, butterfly and moth species. The rare Scarce Crimson and Gold moth, which is only found on the North Coast, has been recorded here.

Visitors will be able to explore the three floors of the tower, and learn from a re-enactor what life was like for soldiers in the early 1800's - including the rations, weapons and kit that would have been used at the time. Please note: the tower is in Magilligan Nature Reserve. Visitors should take care not to stray onto the neighbouring army ranges.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
TicketFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Book Tickets Online

Add Magilligan Martello Tower EHOD 2025 to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season (13 Sept 2025 - 14 Sept 2025)
DayTimes
Saturday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00

What's Nearby

  1. A well preserved Martello Tower at Magilligan Point, an important historical site in…

    0 miles away
  2. Magilligan Point is the tip of one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles.…

    0.12 miles away
  3. Benone Strand, multiple recipient of the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025, is a…

    3.83 miles away
  4. Gortmore's superb Viewpoint situated on the Bishop's Road on the Binevenagh Loop, as part…

    4.51 miles away
  5. An inscribed stone cross at Duncrun marks the site of St Patrick's Monastery and the…

    4.76 miles away
  6. Picturesque riverbank area overlooking the River Roe beneath Binevenagh Mountain – a…

    5.64 miles away
  7. Binevenagh is a tranquil area where the sights of Lough Foyle and Donegal can be seen on…

    5.72 miles away
  8. Downhill is a golden sandy beach stretching from Downhill Cliffs in the east towards…

    5.83 miles away
  9. Mussenden Temple is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near…

    6.34 miles away
  10. Hezlett’s picturesque thatched cottage exterior hides a fascinating early timber frame…

    6.34 miles away
  11. Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill…

    7.18 miles away
  12. Have you ever wondered how Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil make their award-winning Liquid…

    8.44 miles away
  13. Between Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann lies the golden sands and domineering…

    9.37 miles away
  14. Rough Fort, on the Limavady to Ballykelly road, is a remarkable earthwork construction…

    9.82 miles away
  15. Opened in 1842, the Limavady Union Workhouse is reported to be one of the best preserved…

    10.02 miles away
  16. Flowerfield Arts Centre is Coleraine’s dedicated arts facility, offering superb…

    10.18 miles away

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss