The Coastal Observation Post in Donaghadee, Co. Down predates the Second World War but saw some additional changes to its appearance between 1939 and 1945.
The Coastal Observation Post in Donaghadee, Co. Down predates the Second World War. Built in the years after The Great War of 1914-1918, it was evident in a 1929 aerial photo of the area. The Donaghaee Tower is similar in construction and functionality to another at Ballyquintin Point, Co. Down.
The tower at Donaghadee has had the large aperture windows of the five-sided front bay covered over and an additional structure built on top. Small slit observation points and steel casing has been added during the Second World War. Construction is of local stone with red-brick facing and a cement covering. A cast concrete flat roof covers the post and access is gained by a door to the read left-hand side of the tower.
During its time in use, the Coastal Observation Post housed Auxiliary Coastwatchers. They oversaw observation of coastal waters around Co. Down, as well as monitoring shipping and cracking down on smuggling.
