#KillineyMartello- The annual Summer of Heritage events programme organised by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo) continues throughout the season, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The programme which runs until Sunday 7 September, includes some new and exciting venues for this season for you to see, visit and learn from a series of guided walking tours and all for free!

Among the new heritage site events is the restored Killiney Martello Tower (No.7) and Fortification on Tara Hill in Killiney, which is sited within a walled compound on Killiney Hill Road.

Its elevated position meant that it acted both as a supporting position and as an observation post with commanding coastal views sweeping across Killiney Bay between Dalkey Island and Bray Head.

Manned by 16 men, the tower consisted of an 18-pounder gun, a guardhouse and a raised earthen battery armed with three 24-pounder guns and the structure built between 1804-5, was to repel a threatened French invasion.

In this year's prestigious Europa Nostra Awards, Martello Tower No.7 received 'Special Mention' of the Jury of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage.

The Martello Tower was short-listed in the category of Conservation where entries made an outstanding contribution to the conservation and enhancement of heritage and were recognised and particularly appreciated by the Juries.

The Europa Nostra awards receive entries from the entire European continent stretching from Iceland to the Russian Urals and from Norway to Turkey.

Details of Guided Tours

Location: Martello Tower No.7 (Tara Hill) on Killiney Hill Road. Meet just inside the main gates. 

Guided Tours (Days): Every Tuesday and Thursday
Tour Times: Hours from 2pm – 5pm (4 tours daily)
Tour Duration: 60 minutes
Max Capacity: 15 people

Notes: Not wheelchair accessible.
Access to roof is very restricted.
Children Must be accompanied by an adult.
Proper footwear is essential.

ALL tours in the Summer of Heritage programme are non-pre booking and places are limited so turn up early!

For further details of guided tours, download programme HERE for details of locations, dates and times. Or visit: www.dlrevents.ie Contact: (01) 204 7011