Survey Data
Reg No
21527001
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Previous Name
Snuff Box
Original Use
Beacon
In Use As
Beacon
Date
1865 - 1875
Coordinates
155284, 156219
Date Recorded
14/02/2007
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding single-bay three-storey Gothic Revival tower, erected in 1870, and situated on the south bank of the River Shannon. Tower, 36 feet high, tapering to the top, with battlemented parapet, machicolations and a bartizan in north-west corner which housed the harbour light. Squared coursed cut limestone walls. Square-headed narrow window openings.
Appraisal
This small tower/folly/navigation light/beacon was erected in 1870 to commemorate William Spillane. It was during Spillane's mayoralty that the Corcanree embankment was completed. The Spillane family were the largest tobacco importers in Munster and as snuff was a product of the Spillane Tobacco Company, the tower became known as the Snuff Box. The building is historically important as it served as a harbour light/marker buoy since 1885. It is important in terms of its context with the River Shannon. It contributes to the history of navigational architecture in Limerick and within the greater Shannon region.