#MartelloLecture-"The Martello Towers of Dublin" is the opening lecture of this year's Howth Peninsula Heritage Society winter series, which takes place next Tuesday (22 January)

Tim Carey, Heritage Officer of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo), will present his talk on the fascinating history of the maritime coastal defence features which dot along Dublin Bay.

Carey is one of four co-authors who contributed to the excellent publication 'The Martello Towers of Dublin' which was launched last year by the French Ambassador to Ireland in Dun Laoghaire Town Hall.

The lecture takes place at 8.00 p.m. in the Howth Angling Centre, at the harbour's West Pier which is a few minutes-walk from the DART station. All are welcome and a non-society member admission fee of €4 is payable at the door.

The tour which is free starts at the meeting point of the Queen Victoria Fountain which too forms part of the tour alongside the George VI memorial
and the Christ the King monument.

The outdoor event is part of the 'Summer of Heritage' which is organised by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The initiative is now in its fourth year and this year's highlight of the programme are tours of the newly renovated Seapoint Martello tower.

The coastal structure has been restored and is a fine example of these 19th century defensive forts, built along the coast to defend during the Napoleonic wars.

This summer also sees Carrickbrennan graveyard feature for the first time, the resting place of many sailors lost in maritime disasters since the 17th century.

Sightseeing along 'The Metals', a historic pathway that linked the quarry in Dalkey to the harbour in Dún Laoghaire also returns in the programme due to its popularity last year.

To read more about the the Summer of Heritage other free events in the arts, literature, sports, music and for the family, go to www.dunlaoghaire.ie/summer-of-heritage/ and www.dlrevents.ie/heritage11.html