Square Tower and Belmont Arch

The Imperial Hotel at the Paragon was once the site of two large houses, known as Belmont Houses. The arch in the Town wall adjacent to the hotel is known locally as the Belmont Arch, Limerick Arch or Imperial Arch. As the name implies, the Arch is comparatively modern, and was made by the Earl of Limerick, in order to provide access for his carriage.

With the exception of a small tower on the sea ward end of the town walls the large square tower is the only one of its type within the old defenses. The large tower indicates a change in architectural concept, not just in shape but even the arrow slits are different from others in the walls. These were introduced to facilitate the use of alternate weaponary.