The Martello Tower near the old bridge in Banagher is a fine example of a 17th century Napoleonic fortification. The tower was built for defensive purposes as the British feared a western invasion from Napoleon forces through Ireland. This is one of a number of similar towers located through out the country. Banagher has long been a strategic military crossing point of the Shannon and served as an important garrison town during the 17th and 18th centuries. The invasion never came and the tower still stands proudly. It can be easily seen from the river.