The Celestial Observatory at White Oak Golf & Equestrian Community, like many features found within the development, draws heavily on Irish influences. The White Oak observatory will be housed in a building reminiscent of the Martello towers of days past. From the high-powered telescope reaching out of the domed observatory, stargazers of all ages will take in the awe-inspiring views of the moon, planets, stars and remote galaxies overhead.

Martello towers (or simply Martellos) are small defensive forts built in several countries of the British Empire during the 19th century, from the time of the Napoleonic Wars onwards. They stand up to 40 feet (12m) high (with two floors) and typically had a garrison of one officer and 25 men. Their round structure and thick walls of solid masonry made them very resistant to cannon fire, while their height made them an ideal platform for a single heavy artillery piece, mounted on the flat roof and able to traverse a 360° arc. They were used throughout the 19th century, but became obsolete with the introduction of powerful rifled artillery. Many have survived to the present day, often being preserved as historic monuments. The Martello tower has also been used as an inspiration for other structures like the planned observatory at White Oak.

James Joyce lived for a time in a Martello Tower situated beside the Forty Foot bathing place at Sandycove, about 8 miles from Dublin. The opening chapter of Joyce's most famous work, Ulysses is set in this tower. Bloomsday was set on 16th of June 1904, and every year this day is celebrated in Joyce's honour with a full Irish breakfast, readings from the novel, and the famous Bloomsday tour around Dublin, following the adventures of the main character Leopold Bloom. Today, the author's former home contains a museum. The collection includes letters, photographs, first and rare editions (including a copy of Ulysses illustrated by Henri Matisse) and various personal possessions of Joyce, as well as items associated with the Dublin of Ulysses.