Built in 1584 in anticipation of an attack by the Spanish Armada, the fort was reinforced in the 19C because of fears that Napoleon would land there, then during the Second World War against potential German aggressions. Perhaps it really was impregnable, as these attacks never took place. From the ramparts, there is an impressive view over the River Suir and River Barrow, from Waterford to the west to New Ross to the north.