A Guided Walk to Cloughland Martello Tower, Bere Island

Following the attempted invasion of Bantry Bay by a French Armada in 1796, four Martello Towers were constructed on Bere Island. Two of these towers still remain. This guided walk to Cloughland Martello Tower by island tour guide Teresa Hall will take you along the original track which was built to transport the materials to build this massive fortification. Today, the grassy road is a wildlife haven, lined with hedgerows decked with fuchsia and honeysuckle before it climbs to open heathland, which in August is abundant with heathers and pollinators. As we climb the hill you’ll hear about the flora and fauna en route, and on reaching the tower you’ll learn about it’s construction and the soldiers who manned the canons at the tower, scanning the horizon for any further potential incursions, of one of the most strategic locations in Western Europe.

Part of this walk is on rough ground, suitable footwear is advised, along with wet weather gear in case of inclement weather. The walk also includes a section with a relatively steep incline before it levels out to more level ground.