Built during the Napoleonic wars in 1812-16, and situated on Finavarra Point, the tower protected the north-eastern side of Ballyvaughan Bay and the south-western entrance of New Quay harbour from possible attack from France.

[2] British military engineers built many such fortifications as signal towers to protect the coast against a French invasion.

Most of these towers are oval or round and stand between forty and sixty feet high.

Their staircases were incorporated within the walls and the doorway was usually some distance above ground level.

However, nearby Aughinish Tower which is thought to have been of similar and contemporaneous construction, included quarters for around 40 men.