The Olde Hurdy-Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio in Howth houses a collection of exhibits chronicling the history of telecommunications from the 1840s to present day. It boasts many examples of early Morse equipment, gramophones, crystal sets, valve radios and other pieces of equipment. 

Pat Herbert, the curator, is always on hand to demonstrate some of the many working exhibits. 

Fittingly, the Martello Tower has historic links with Marconi and Lee de Forest, two of the fathers of wireless, who conducted early experiments from the tower in the 1900s. It was also the site where the first communications cable from Holyhead in Wales to Ireland was laid in 1852.

The Howth Martello is one of a network of towers built as lookouts for an expected Napoleonic invasion. Of course, Napoleon did not invade, and the threat passed.

Admission Fees:

Adult €5.00 Euro
Student €3.00
Children free entry.

Opening Hours:

Open 7 days a week May to October 11am – 4pm.
November to April Sat & Sun only 11-4pm.

Location:

Martello Tower,
Museum of Vintage Radio,
Abbey St,
Howth,
Co. Dublin,
D13 V099

The Olde Hurdy-Gurdy Museum is located a 20 drive from the Castle Hotel. 
Public transport can also be taken, our front desk staff will be able to guide you on these.