The Beach Tower, with its 15th century Irish crennalations, is one of the finest towers on the Waterford's walls. It was built on a rocky outcrop which forms a natural defensive position and during the medieval period, the area between the tower and the river was not developed.

The tower commands a fine view of the River Suir and in particular, it commanded a superb view of the up-river approaches to Waterford.

From the upper battlements you can see up river to Granagh Castle. From the Beach Tower, proceed up King's Terrace with its tall 18th century merchant houses, built so that the occupiers could keep a watchful eye on their ships docking at the newly extended quay.

Before proceeding down the steps note the blue plaque on the wall to your left. This wall is part of St. Patrick's Fort built to accommodate cannon and begun in the 1590s during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

As was the case with the other extensions to the medieval defence, fear of a Spanish landing was the reason for its construction. The fort, which was substantially rebuilt during the early 17th century, was a bastion citadel. Built outside the city wall, it had a rectangular plan with corner bastions typical of so many 17th century forts in Ireland.