SANDYMOUNT'S Martello bower is to become a micro brewery - beer will be brewed and served on the premises. The landmark tower has been the subject of endless speculation since it was bought by Michael Doyle of the Doyle Hotels family, from the property developer Robert Noonan when he abandoned the project a couple of years ago after the death of his prospective partner, restaurateur Peter Langan.
Doyle, a son of P.V., undertook major reconstruction with a view to turning it into an upmarket restaurant but permission was refused when the Corporation claimed the planning terms were breached on two fronts - the erection of side extensions and of huge steel shutters on the sea side.
A spokeswoman for Mr Doyle says no alternative could be found to the shutters to keep out the rain, the sea, the Winds and the vandals and the stonework for the extensions came from a cottage in Carlow which was the nearest match they could find.
Today, the tower is shut to the general public but open for functions at a cost of anything up to £3,000 a night depending on numbers. It fits up to 500 and there must have been nearly that there last Friday for the launch of the new Riverdance video and book by Sam Smyth.
The splendid interior has a nautical theme - all wood and ropes and sails - extending over three levels, wonderful panoramic views of the bay and a lovely interior, round room under the tower itself. Original hulls from boats have become bars and one of the timber floors came from a derelict convent and is 200 years old. The micro brewery is due to open in late spring.