Located on a rocky outcrop above the village of Sandycove is the James Joyce Tower. This is a Martello tower built in 1804 as a defence against Napoleonic invasion. One of 15 such towers, the Martello tower at Sandycove is particularly famous as it was once occupied by the writer James Joyce. He stayed at the tower for a week, as a guest of poet, Oliver St John Gogerty. Today, known as James Joyce Tower, the tower is occupied by a small museum dedicated to the writer. The museum boasts first editions of Joyce’s novels, as well as some of his personal belongings.

Just off the coasts of the lovely town of Dalkey on Dublin’s southside, is the picturesque Dalkey Island. The island boasts a Martello tower and Benedictine church. The island is also home to a colony of wild goats, numerous bird colonies and large hare and rabbit populations. From the island, visitors are offered a wonderful view of Dublin, in particular the lovely beach at Killiney. Dalkey Island is also a popular location for anyone interested in marine life, as from the island there are regular sightings of common and grey seals, harbour porpoises and common and bottle-nosed dolphins. Boats to the island leave from Coilemore Harbour.