| Irish
round towers are early medieval stone towers of a type
found mainly in Ireland and a few in Scotland.
Though there is no certain agreement as to their purpose,
it is thought they were principally bell towers, places
of refuge, or a mixture of these. Generally found in the
vicinity of a church or monastery, the door of the tower
faces the west doorway of the church.
In this way, it has been possible to determine without
excavation the rough site of lost churches, where the
tower still exists. -
-
- Surviving Round
Towers
{click
name for
more information}
Construction and Distribution
The
towers range in height from 18 to 40 metres (60 to 130
feet). The Kilmacduagh tower in south County Galway
near Gort is the highest in Ireland. The masonry
differs according to date, the
earliest examples being uncut rubble, while the later
ones are
of neatly joined stone work. The lower portion is solid
masonry with a single door raised six to twenty feet
above, often accessible only by a ladder. Within are
two or more floors, usually of wood, with ladders in
between. The windows, which are high up, are slits
in the stone. The cap (roof), is of stone, usually conical
in shape, although some of the towers are now crowned
by a later circle of battlements.
They were
built probably between the 9th and 12th centuries.
In Ireland about 120 examples are thought once
to have existed; most are in ruins, while eighteen
or twenty are almost perfect. There are two surviving
examples in northeastern Scotland, the Brechin
Round Tower and the Abernethy Round Tower.
The only known round tower with a hexagonal base
is at Kinneigh, near Enniskeane, in Co. Cork, built
in 1014 known as the Kinneigh Round Tower.
A famous example of a round tower
is at Devenish Island, on Lough Erne, in County Fermanagh,
Northern Ireland. There is also a well-known Irish
tower at Glendalough, a popular tourist destination.
A round tower exists at Clondalkin which is the only
Round Tower in Ireland which still retains its original
cap. |
|
Purpose
The purpose of the towers is somewhat mysterious. A
popular theory is that the towers were originally a redoubt
against raiders such as Vikings. If a lookout posted
in the tower spotted a Viking force, the local population
(or at least the clerics) would enter, using a ladder
which could be raised from within. The towers would be
used to store religious relics and other plunderables.
One problem with this theory is that the distance from
the ground to the raised doorway is somewhat greater
than that from the first floor to the second; thus large,
rigid steps would be too large for the door. Excavations
in the 1990s, revealing postholes, confirm that wooden
steps were built. However, the use of ladders prior to
the construction of such steps cannot be ruled out.
Certainly, an important use of the historic towers was
to act as a belfry. The Irish word for such towers, cloictheach,
indicates this, as noted by George Petrie in 1845.
Surviving Round Towers
Scattered throughout the Irish landscape, 51 of these round
towers still stand, more than 900 years after their
construction.
Aghadoe Round Tower,
County Kerry
The
monastery was traditionally founded by St. Finnian
the
Leper in the 7th century, but hardly anything
is known about it. The present large ruined church
dates from the 12th century. There is no known
reference to the round tower until the 19th century
when attention was drawn to it's situation. Perhaps
this is when the conservation efforts occurred. Outside the doorway
of the church ruin stands a fine large bullaun
stone with a single, centrally placed cup. According
to the sign posted at the site, the present church
was probably completed by Amhlaoibh O' Donoghue
in 1158 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity and
St. Mary. Above the double lancet windows dating
from the 13th century at the east end of the
church are carvings of a head (St. Finnian?)
and a stylized marigold flower found throughout
Irish carvings.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
There
is a carved Romanesque doorway on the west side
of the church, reputedly rebuilt in the 18th or
19th
century. Built into the south wall of the church
ruin is an Ogham stone with the inscription "BRRUANANN." Built
into the south wall is a stone with an 18th century
carving of the crucifixion and
another
stone with carvings that echo somewhat the design
on the Romanesque doorway. |
[back to top]
Aghagower Round Tower, County Mayo
Traditionally
founded by St. Senach, who was created bishop of
Aghagower by St. Patrick, but there is little information
about it. In letters of 1838, local lore has it,
the top was blasted by lightning to the hill of
Tevenish, half a mile to the south. It had been
in a single piece there up until a few years previous
to 1838 when the stones were all burnt for limestone
with the exception if the capstone which is preserved
in the churchyard.
The church ruin, cemetery,
and round tower are situated in what amounts
to an island in the middle of the village as
roads circumvent it. Behind the church, to the
NNE, there are two holy wells, now dried up due
to a drainage scheme. Along the front of the
wall of the holy well across from the bar, there
is a very small Sheela
Na Gig (approx. 10cm x
10 cm) embedded into the stonework.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Since it
is so tiny and due to the arrangement of lichen
growth, it is difficult to spot and harder to photograph
unless the light is just right. There are several
entrances into the cemetery, at least two of which
are by way of projecting stones from the wall that
surrounds the graveyard. Because of the uneven
ground, care must be taken when walking through
the graveyard.
Along the "front" side of the church
ruin, on the same side as the "new" cemetery
across the road, there is a lovely streamside walkway
and park recently re-landscaped. The new cemetery
has also been revamped - stones set upright
and ground leveled. "Rounds" are still
paid here by devout pilgrims, usually enroute to
nearby Croagh Patrick. Tochar Paidrig (the Pilgrim's
Walk) runs through the site, between Ballintubber
Abbey and "The Reek," as locals call
St. Patrick's holy mountain. |
Aghaviller Round Tower,
County Killenny
This
site is adjacent to a dense wood and on an overcast
day can be very creepy feeling. There is a mural
stairway leading to the residential floor above
the church from which the round tower can be viewed
from above.
Nothing is known of the monastery here
or who founded it. The first known reference
to the round tower is in the Statistical Survey
of 1802. The original doorway was blocked up
then and was still sealed in 1839.
The 12th century church
with a 15th century residential addition dominates
the site. Nearby (at the side of R 701) is a
holy well. Just down the road another 100 meters
or so is Castlemorres Demesne, an area of about
500 acres.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Antrim Round Tower,
County Antrim
This
is a beautiful example of a probable early round
tower, the relief carving over the door making
it instantly recognizable. The tower sits on a
very small circular mound of ground, which makes
it appear like an island in the surrounding parkland.
This suggests that the surrounding land was levelled
in the late 18th or early 19th century, when it
was privately owned. Any traces of the original
ecclaisiastical buildings were removed, possibly
at this time. The tower has some irregularities
in it's conical cap, replaced in the early 1800's
and is missing a few of it's thin cornice stones.
A stone plaque is built into the west face of the
tower, but is presently blank. It is possible that
it was placed for some inscription at the time
the cap was reset after a lightning strike between
1819 and 1822.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
The
monastery at Antrim is often linked with the monastic
settlement at Bangor with references
from the early 7th century. It was prbably founded
by St. Aebh in 495 AD although Comgall (Bangor's
founder) and Durtacht have also been suggested.
In response to a raid on the settlement at Bangor,
St. Comgall's remains were moved to Antrim. The
Annals report that the site was destroyed in 1018
and finally burned in 1147. A large boulder, with
two sizable bullauns, lies approximately 6 metres
from the tower, slightly to the left front of the
doorway.
|
Ardmore Round Tower,
County Waterford
Thought
to have been founded by St. Declan in the 5th century
- predating St. Patrick -
the round tower may be of 12th century origin.
It could have been built as early as the 10th
century, though the first known mention of the
tower is in 1642.
In the same cemetery
as the round tower is the "cathedral," the main section of which was built in the 12th
century. Protected within the confines of the
ruin are two very nice ogham stones and various
other bits and bobs of dressed stone and building
material. On the exterior west wall of the cathedral
is an arcade of wall sculptures, fairly worn,
but still clear enough to make out Adam & Eve
and The Wisdom of Solomon. It is really difficult
to make out the rest of the carvings which glow
an orange/gold in sunlight to contrast with the
rest of the stonework on the church.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
On
site is St. Declan's oratory, the
burial place of St. Declan. It is a small building
with a stone-lined vault in the floor, now empty,
but the site still attracts pilgrims on Declan's
Feast Day, 24th July. It is possible that most
of this small church dates from the 8th century,
though it's upper walls and gables have been rebuilt
and the lintelled doorway added. The building was
re-roofed in 1716 by the Bishop of Waterford. |
[back to top]
Ardrahan Round Tower,
County Galway
The
remnants of this tower are merely a half of a shell.
The interior is almost completely covered with
brambles and ivy.
The interior is further obscured by a 19th century
graveslab, though whether it actually indicates
a burial there is uncertain since many of the graveslabs
now in the churchyard were moved when the small
road beside the church was built, according to
locals.
Nothing remains of this early
site other than the fragment of the round tower.
In the Church of Ireland
Parish church (1809) is a font reputed to be
from Corcomroe Abbey and approximately from the
9th to 11th century. There are also remnants
of the medieval church which once stood here
housed in the church entry. In the churchyard,
much neglected and tended to only recently are
a number of interesting graves and two standing
stones.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
The
grave of Thomas Fin Cook makes it apparent that
he was a Mason. Another grave has a primitive carving
of a ploughman's tools. One incorporates snowflakes
and spirals
and one (which appears to be upside down) has some
good knotwork and a celtic cross inscribed on it.
Across the main road from the church are the ruins
of a reputed DeBurgo Tower house with an earthwork
surround. |
Armoy Round Tower,
County
Antrim
The
early monastery at Armoy is reputed to have been
founded by a disciple of St. Patrick - St. Olcan,
but nothing is recorded. The tower was excavated
by Getty in 1843, finding some human bone that
may have been from burials previous to the building
of the tower or may have been from the surrounding
graveyard as debris for infilling after the tower
was built. The capstone was found during this excavation,
confirming that Armoy was once a full tower with
traditional cap. Other artifacts were found that
may have been gear from the original builders,
but nothing conclusive has been reported. After
excavation, the tower was fitted as a belfry and
a wooden roof was installed. This roof no longer
exists. The putholes for scaffolding are quite
evident.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Balla Round Tower,
County Mayo
There
was once a monastery here, founded by St.
Cronan Mochua. He was Founder of the
See of Balla, which subsequently merged into that
of Tuam, which flourished in the period 596-637.
The church was burned in 780 and again in 1179
and
nothing remains of it now.
Through the gate from
the churchyard can be seen an old ruin. In this
ruin is a complex of what appears to be a tiny
old church along with two holy wells - one dedicated
to the Blessed Virgin. Like the churchyard enclosing
the round tower, it appears to be in a state
of early preservation or early neglect.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
[back to top]
Cashel Round Tower,
County Tipperary
The
Rock of Cashel is an ancient royal site of the
kings of Munster. It is said that in 370, King
Corc built a castle on what had been known as the "Fairy
Ridge" and established his capital there.
St. Patrick came to Cashel circa 448
and baptized King Aengus. Tradition has it that
Patrick accidentally pierced the king's foot with
his staff during the ceremony. The King, thinking
this was part of the ceremony, remained silent
and stoic. King Aengus provided the financial assistance
for many of the churches St. Patrick founded over
the seven years he remained in Munster. In 1101,
the Rock was gifted to the religious of Ireland
by Muircheartach O' Briiain, ostensibly to keep
it from ever falling back into the hands of his
opposition, the McCarthys.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Cormac's
Chapel, with it's two square towers, was built
to the south of the round tower in 1134. In the
13th
century, the imposing cathedral was built between
these two important structures. The architecture
was carefully designed not to interfere with either
the chapel or the tower and still maintain a cruciform
shape. The cathedral was linked to
the round tower via a new doorway in the north
transept triforium. Throughout history the Rock
has seen some violent times and yet the tower
has stood through it all. The cathedral was burnt
by Gerald Mor in 1494, the Great Earl of Kildare.
When required to account for his actions before
the English King (Henry VII), he reportedly said
that he wouldn't have done it, except that he was
certain that his sworn enemy, Archbishop David
Creaghe, was inside. In 1647, Lord Inchiquin, with
Cromwellian forces attacked the town, demanding
a sum of £3,000. When these demands were
not met, his forces systematically murdered more
than 3,000 men, women, and children - hundreds
of whom had fled
to the great cathedral on the rock. The brutality
was unimaginable. The round tower was structurally
intact, but battered by artillery fire and its
cap dilapidated when the Office of Public Works
began a major overhaul in 1874 - repointing the
battered masonry and replacing the falling cap.
It is now one of the finest preserved towers in
the country, though the enormous cathedral steals
much of its prominence. |
Castledermot Round Tower,
County Kildare
St.
James's Church lies on the site of a monastery
founded around 800 by the father of St. Diarmuid,
after which Castledermot takes its name. The
monastery was raided by the Vikings in the 9th
century, but
continued its existence at least until the 12th
century.
In the churchyard, there is a reconstructed Romanesque
doorway from a 12th century church, two fine high
crosses carved with biblical scenes and celtic
design, and the base of a third cross. There are
a number of early Christian grave slabs, a holed "swearing" stone,
another holed stone, and the only "hog-back" (a
Scandinavian style grave marker) known in Ireland.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Clondalkin Round Tower,
County Dublin
The
monastery was founded by St. Cronan (alias Mochua)
in the 7th century. This monastery was plundered
by Danes in 832. Olaf the White, probable founder
of Dublin, built a fort here in 852. First mention
of the round tower was a drawing by Molyneux in
1725, virtually unchanged from the tower as it
is today. Floors and ladders to the top were installed
sometime between 1783 and 1827. In recent times
glass was fitted into the windows and shutters
and doors were installed.
Because there is an obvious difference in the
stone of the drum and the stone in the base bulge,
it is probable that the bulge was a later addition,
rather than original to the tower. Early 18th century
drawings show the tower as it is today. There is
speculation that the bulge was added shortly
after the tower's completion
as a means of additional support to the unusually
slender tower.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
The
steps may have been a much later insertion. Certainly
the handrail is a very modern one. The top storey
of the tower flares out noticeably, which adds
credence to the need for additional base support.
The view from the top of the tower would be spectacular,
but it appears that the tower has not been available
to climb for some time. The floors and ladders
that were installed in the late 18th to early 19th
century may be in a dangerous state of repair.
The base of the tower is bisected by a stone wall,
so that part of the west side of the bulge lies
in an unkempt garden on private property |
[back to top]
Clones Round Tower, County
Monaghan
The
monastery at Clones was founded by St. Tighernach,
who died in the mid sixth century. The Annals record
the destruction of "all it's churches" in
836, but there is no mention of the round tower.
Getty did an excavation in the 1840's below the
debris-filled sill level of the tower. The results
were inconclusive, as human bones that were found
at the extreme lowest level (below the level of
the external offset) could have come from either
a burial ground that the tower was built upon or
from graveyard debris used as infilling.
Along with the early
headstones in the churchyard, is the Shrine of
St. Tighernach. It is carved from a single stone
in the shape of a house complete with finials.
One of the gables features a figure (St. Tighernach?)
with outstretched arms. Not far from the graveyard
where the round tower stands, is another churchyard
containing "the Abbey." It is the
ruin of a 12th century nave and chancel church
and
the graveyard also contains early headstones.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Clonmacnoise Round Tower,
County Offaly
Clonmacnoise
(in Irish: Cluain Mhic Nos) is an ancient ecclesiastical
site, situated south of Athlone. Its location contributed
to its development as a major center of religion,
learning, trade,
craftsmanship, and political influence. The monastery
grounds contain many religious buildings.
The museum at this
site houses a remarkable collection of ornate
early graveslabs as well as the original high
crosses (replicas were installed in the original
locations) for preservation. The 13th century
north door at Temple Dermot has fine carvings,
and is surmounted with high reliefs of three
saints: Dominic, Patrick, and Francis.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
An
Anglo-Norman castle ruin perches precariously on
an elevated mound beside the Clonmacnois complex.
It dates from somewhere between 1214 and 1220.
Also outside the complex, but very important to
the site, is the Nun's Church. The doorway and
chancel arch of this little church are elaborately
carved with celtic interlace, fanciful
beast and human heads, and floral patterns. On
the left side of the chancel arch, in the seventh
diamond up, can be found an acrobatic little Sheela
Na Gig,
feet tucked behind her ears. |
Cloyne Round Tower,
County Cork
The
monastery was founded by St. St. Colman mac Lenene,
who died in 604. In 1749, a lightning storm caused
notable damage. However, drawings show that the
conical cap on the tower had been replaced by battlements
before this time. Excavations done by the South
Munster Society of Antiquaries in 1841 uncovered
the bones from several skeletons. Controvery ensued
as to whether the bones were debris used to fill
the base of the tower, or were proper Christian
burials inside the base of the tower. No scientific
evidence was produced to support either theory.
Although there is evidence of human activity
since about 2000 BCE, Cloyne really came into
its own in 560 when St. Coleman founded his monastery
here. Built on a network of caves, which are
all but impassable, it is rumored that in the
penal
days priests used a secret underground link from
Cloyne House to the Catholic graveyard in order
to say mass for the people.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Today Cloyne is a village, yet it has a cathedral
and the round tower. The Cathedral has many a famous
son - Bishop Berkley, the internationally renowned
philosopher, after whom the town of Berkeley in
California is named, was the bishop of Cloyne for
30 years. Bishop Brinkley, an important astronomer,
is entombed there. Cloyne Cathedral also contains
a monument to the Fitzgeralds.
Cloyne has its own castle on the
outskirts
of the village. Castle Mary was the seat of the
Longfield family since the 17th Century and they
were one of the leading Anglo Irish families in
County Cork. Here the remains of a druid altar
can still be seen near the orchard. Cloyne's personal
fairy goddess was called Mor.
|
[back to top]
Devenish Round Tower,
County Fermanagh
Founded
by St. Lasren, also known as St. Molaise, the monastery
here was built on daimh-inis, or Ox Island. The
Annals record a succession of deaths
of abbotts of Devenish and a number of invasions.
In 836, it was destroyed along with the other churches
of Lough Erne and finally burnt in 1157. The first
mention of a round tower is on a map of 1609 and
then a distant view in 1792 showing the tower intact.
It was falling into ruin by 1808 and in 1834 the
part of the roof, part of a wall, and part of the
cornice were damaged when a storm blew over the
tree that had been growing from the cap. This was
successfully repaired the following year, as noted
by a large stone near the cornice. Getty excavated
the tower in 1844, but apparently nothing of note
was discovered. Further repairs were carried out
by the OPW in 1896 and a spiral staircase installed.
This staircase was removed and replaced by the
present floors based the original alignment in
1971 when the tower was also repointed.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
The
upper church, St. Mary's Abbey, is a 12th-15th
century Augustinian monastery.
The lower church is an earlier establishment dedicated
to St. Molaise. There is an unusual high cross
next to St. Mary's. In 1973, the foundations of
a second round tower, very close to the existing
tower and possibly earlier in date, were discovered.
A reconstruction of the foundation is now built
above ground on the original foundations. |
Donaghmore Round Tower,
County Meath
The
original monastery at this site is attributed to
St. Patrick, who gave a disciple, St. Cassanus,
charge of it. The beautifully coursed limestone
tower is unique in it's absence of bell-storey
windows, though the windows that do exist face
the traditional cardinal compass points. Barrow
reports a plaque in the interior opposite the doorway,
which states that the landowner, Mr. Thomas Rothwell,
repaired and restored the tower to it's original
form in 1841. When the OPW took charge some thirty
years later, the tower was reportedly in good repair,
although it's cap had fallen.
In the cemetery
is the gable wall of a 15th century medieval
church which retains the arches for two bells.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
[back to top]
Dromiskin Round Tower,
County Louth
Tradition
says the monastery here was founded by St. Patrick
and prospered under St. Ronan, who died in 664.
Dromiskin was plundered by the Irish in 908, by
the Danes in 978, and again by the Irish in 1043.
The upper portion of the tower appears to have
been adapted as a bell tower previous to 1758 when
Wright sketched what he felt was a reconstruction
of the tower at it's full height. It is possible
that the tower was damaged in one of the many invasions
and adapted early on (possibly in the 12th century)
as a bell tower and capped at that time. A bell
still hung in the tower in 1835, but was no longer
in use. In the churchyard, beside
a 12th century gable and foundation with a 15th
century window, stands the head of a high cross
mounted on a modern shaft. The modern church
dates from 1821.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Drumbo Round Tower,
County Down
In
the visitation Book of 1622, the tower is listed
as being in a ruinous condition. By 1744,
Harris
described it as being in a similar condition to
it's present state. The top was rebuilt sometime
between 1843 and 1899. The difference in stone
is noticeable. Excavations in December of 1841,
under the direction of the Rev. Horatio Maunsell,
concluded that the tower had been built on the
site of an early graveyard - probably pagan rather
than Christian considering the orientation of at
least one body. There appears to be nothing
left of the early monastery beyond the round tower.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Drumcliff Round Tower, County Clare
This
may be the monastic settlement around Drumcliff.
It has been suggested that it was possibly founded
by St. Conall. The existing church ruins are from
the 15th century with bits of 10th and 12th century
architecture incorporated into it, suggesting it
was built on the site of at least one earlier church.
Pelham's grand jury map of 1787 depicts the monastic
monuments here and the graveyard is noted in the
first maps of 1842. The graveyard was expanded
after 1882 due to overcrowding and it was also
fenced in at this time. It was feared that without
a fence, grazing livestock might damage the graves.
A 19th century map shows the roundtower standing
proudly on its ridge. A drawing and report
from 1808 show a door and three windows existing
at
that time.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Standing
just SSW of the tower on the opposite side of the
sunken path is the
ruin of a 15th century church incorporating bits
of 12th and 10th century architecture. As this
was the main cemetery for the Ennis area, it contains
a pauper's graveyard (probably used by the local
workhouse), a famine and cholera gravesite (being
mass graves), and an aesthetically pleasing variety
of 18th & 19th century headstones. The grounds
also contain a wide variety of mature trees and
a plethora of wildflowers & plants. |
Drumcliffe Round Tower, County Sligo
Tradition
has it that St. Colmcille (a.k.a. St. Columba)
founded the monastery here in 575. The Annals record
the familiar plunderings in the 12th, 13th, and
14th centuries. Lightning is said to have struck
the tower in 1396. The greater part of the tower
was used to build a nearby bridge. Petrie, in the
mid 19th century, drew the tower with a shack at
its base and a window remnant at the top of the
tower to the southeast.
A fine high cross and
the shaft of another high cross are on the edge
of the cemetery on the opposite side of the N
16 which divides this site, along with a modern
standing stone.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Drumlane Round Tower, County Cavan
St. Mogue established the original abbey on this
site in the 6th century. The Round
Tower and the church contain some interesting
carvings of birds, bishops, abbots, and kings,
all adorning the door and window areas. Although
the abbey originated in early Christian period,
the Augustinians from Kells controlled it from
the 13th or 14th century onward.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Duleek Round Tower, County Meath
Traditionally
the site of the first stone church in Ireland founded
by St. Cianan who died in 489. The name Duleek,
is derived from the Irish for "stone church," i.e.
damhliag. The monastery was granted to the Augustinian
Order
in the 12th century. The church remains,
dedicated to St. Mary, may date from the 13th century
on the site of a 12th century church of which
some sculpted fragments remain. The Annals record
that lightning struck the tower in 1147, but it
must not have done much damage overall, as the
tower outline is complete (including the conical
cap) and the bell tower that incorporated it was
built some 300+ years later.
On the grounds along
with the ghostly remains of the round tower are
a complete high cross with good carving, the
head of another cross, and some fine 17th century
altar tombs.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
[back to top]
Dysert O'Dea Round Tower, County Clare
The
monastery was founded by St. Tola in the 8th
century. The church ruin, famous for the elaborately
carved heads around it's romanesque doorway, is
from the 12th century. The round tower may
be contemporary with the church. Some renovation
was
done in the 1800's, but it is difficult to tell
whether it was actual renovation or merely some
conservation work.
Dysert O'Dea Tower House Castle dates from 1480.
It was home to
the O'Dea clan chiefs until 1692 when the O'Dea's
had their lands forfeited. It subsequently fell
into ruin, but was restored in 1986-88 by the
Dysert O'Dea Development Association with help
from Bord Fáilte and the owners, Jack
and Anola O'
Day. St. Tola's Cross lies in
a field to the east of the church complex.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
The
east face is carved in high relief - a representation
of the crucified Christ and beneath that the figure
of a bishop believed to be St. Tola. The head of
Christ was once removable and used as a cure for
toothache. Referred to as "the cross of the
blessing," the figure of the bishop reportedly
had an arm raised in blessing, but the appendage
is now missing. The reverse and sides of the high
cross are covered with elaborate interlace work.
Knocked down by Cromwellian forces, the cross was
repaired by Michael O'Dea in 1687 and restored
again by the Synge family in 1871. The present
church stands on the foundation
of an earlier
church.
It dates mainly from the 12th century. It's primary
feature is the elaborately carved arched four order
romanesque doorway. There
are 19 stones in this arch, which are carved with
twelve human heads and nine heads of animals. |
Fertagh Round Tower, County Kilkenny
The
monastery at Fertagh (or Grangefertagh) was probably
founded by St Ciaran of Seir in the 6th century.
The site was
raided by Vikings in 861 and in 1156 the high king,
Murtagh MacNeale, burned the Round Tower with the
lector inside it. This Round Tower is the only
remnant of the early monastery.
Given
information from other round towers, if this
tall straight tower was restored to its original
condition,
there is no doubt it would be the tallest round
tower in the country.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Glendalough Round Tower, County Wicklow
Glendalough
was made famous by Saint Kevin, who came to the
area in the sixth century. He was looking for a
place of solitude and having found it, remained
and lived a rather hermitic life. In AD 498, he
founded his monastery in Glendalough, which attracted
thousands of people intrigued by St. Kevin's
simple and scholarly ways. Over time, a school
developed, attracting thousands of students from
Europe. St. Kevin died in 618 at 120
years of age, but the remains of his monastery
can still be seen.
The tower,
which stands 33 metres above the ground, was
built almost 1000 years ago by the monks of St.
Kevin's monastery. The roof had to be replaced
in 1876 when it was struck by lightning. The
tower was originally built
as a bell tower and a place of refuge when the
monastery was attacked.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Iniscealtra Round Tower, County Clare
Holy
Island is said to have been occupied by at least
one hermit in the 6th century before St. Columb
established a monastery there. Later in that century,
the community was re-established by St. Caimin,
half-brother of the 7th century king of Connacht,
Guaire, who died in 653. It was burned by the Vikings
in 836 and 922 and eventually came under the patronage
and protection of Brian Boru, who installed his
brother Marcan as abbott. First mention of the
tower was by the Ordinance Survey in 1838, which
described the tower as appearing much as it does
today.
Maps of the island
show that in addition to the round tower, there
are six churches, seven bullaun stones, many
8th to 12th century grave slabs, a holy well,
and a "bargaining stone" - a large
stone with a hole through which people could
join hands.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Inishkeen Round Tower, County
Monaghan
The first reference
to the existence of a monastery here is in 685, and the death of the
last recorded monk took place in 1085. The monastery, however, was founded
in the 6th century by St. Diag who studied under St. Ciaran at Clonmacnois,
and St. Colmcille is said to have been present at the foundation, and
blessed the monastery.
There remains the stump of a Round Tower now 42 feet high, with
a doorway 14 feet above the ground. A road contractor made a hole
in the tower in the last century, but he was mercifully stopped
in tome from doing any further damage. Some fragments of an older
church have been built into the wall of the ruined modern church
nearby.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
From Dundalk take the
R178 west and after about 10km or so follow the signs for Inishkeen. When
you enter Inishkeen the round tower is just off the road to the right and
can be clearly seen. |
[back to top]
Kells Round Tower, County
Meath
The site, purportedly
an ancient royal fort, is said to have been given to St. Columba by Dermot
MacCarvill around 550 CE. Monks, chased from Iona by the Vikings,
came to Kells in 804. The settlement was burned and pillaged repeatedly
over several centuries. The annals mention the murder of a new high king
in the tower in 1076.
The circular monastic enclosure
protects St. Columba's Church, the round tower, and four of the town's
five high
crosses. Nearby, St. Colmcilles' House is strategically positioned
at one of the highest points in the town. It once housed the relics
of the Saint and the 9th century Book
of Kells. A full interpretation
of the monastic history is available in Kells Heritage Centre,
which displays a facsimile of the Book of Kells and has a museum.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Kilbennen Round Tower, County
Galway
Founded
by St. Benin (aka Benen, Bennan),
a disciple of Patrick, in the fifth
century. This is often assumed to be St. Patrick,
but could have been another
Patrick who came from this area and founded the
monastery on family land. The Annals record the
burning of the settlement in 1114. Some conservation
work was done in 1880-81, but no details of that
work are recorded.
In the far window sill
of the medieval church (SSW), a decorated corbel
sits overlooking the interior of the church.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Kilcullen Round Tower, County Kildare
St.
MacTail was an early abbot of the monastery here,
who died in 548. He is reputedly depicted on the
top panel of one of the high cross shafts in the
churchyard, victorious over an enemy. The monastery
had the usual history of being plundered and burnt
in the annals, but the roundtower is not mentioned
until 1781. At that time it was stated that the
remains of four top windows existed, but a drawing
by Grose in 1792 shows a complete west window with
part of a cornice above it. This indicates that
the tower was not much taller than it is now. The
present form may be from damage done in a battle
that took place in on the hill in 1798. |
Click
image for more information
|
|
Kildare Round Tower, County
Kildare
The
monastery at Kildare was, traditionally, founded
by St. Brigid, who died in 525. The lower courses
of the tower seem to be consistent with an
early construction date, though the windows
and doorway are of a 12th century design. Around
1843, the interior of the tower was excavated
by the treasurer of the cathedral, Rev John
Browne. Coins from the 12th century (now
in the National Museum in Dublin) were found
under the floor at the base. The present floors
and
ladders used to climb the tower were installed
in 1874. At that time, the facing stones immediately
below the doorway were missing and it is unclear
when they were replaced. The battlements were
repaired in 1931. The exterior was repointed
at that time and some of the granite blocks
on the lower offset were replaced. |
Click
image for more information
|
|
On
the southwest side of the cathedral is a very
plain high cross, devoid of any decoration
and missing the upper ring section. In 1686,
the shaft was being used as an altar step in
what was called the "pro-cathedral," a
transitional church using the old chancel.
Near the round tower, is an enclosure that
purportedly is the foundation of St. Brigid's
fire house.
This may have been the site of a sacred pagan
fire that was kept perpetually burning by a
group of nuns. The cathedral houses
a nice exhibition area for monuments, graveslabs,
and effigial tombs. The outside of the cathedral
has stepped gables that allow access to
the entire roof. The gargoyles above the
downspouts show a humorous side. |
Kilkenny Round Tower, County
Kilkenny
The
round tower is the oldest surviving structure
in the town of Kilkenny, despite the uncertainty
of it's time of construction. Composition is
of local limestone. The 13th century cathedral
of St Canice is the second longest cathedral
in Ireland. The site on which the cathedral
stands has been a site of Christian worship
since the 6th century, founded
by St. Canice. Built to replace a succession
of earlier churches, the architectural style
of the cathedral is Early Gothic and it is
also built of local limestone. The early Gothic
cathedral was built between 1202 and 1285.
The cathedral contains
some of the finest 16th century monuments
in Ireland. In addition to varied memorial
plaques, there are a number of altar tombs
with effigial carvings. The baptismal font
is original and the ancient stone of enthronement
for bishops still exists under the seat of
the medieval throne in the North Transept.
The carvings on the choir stalls are noteworthy
as is the hammerbeam roof .
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
[back to
top]
Killala Round Tower, County
Mayo
The monastery
was founded by St. Patrick, who spent part of his
captivity near here. He appointed St. Muiredach as the first
Bishop.There is a large souterrain in the cathedral
grounds.
The tower is composed of limestone, many of the stones being quite
large. The doorway is devoid of decoration, however the three stone
arch of the doorway is composed of a light brown sandstone, contrasting
with the grey of the rest of the doorway and tower. Reports
in 1779 mention a damaged roof and damage midway up the tower from
lightning. The OPW did some repair work in 1841. Though reports are
not specific, the cap and wall were repaired at this time. In proportion
and overall appearance, this is as pretty a round tower as you are likely
to find anywhere in the country.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Killinaboy Round Tower, County
Clare
This
site is said to have had a daughter of Baiothe
as its patroness, but little is known of the monastery
at Killinaboy. In the Statistical Survey of 1808,
the tower stood virtually the same as is found
today, at the far
edge of the graveyard. It is not noticeable
from the road, as it is covered in a thick crown
of
ivy and other vegetation. Steps rise from the
road to a gate in front of the late medieval
church, recognized by the gable immediately inside
this gate. The stonework on this wall forms a
very nice two-armed cross, though this is becoming
obscured by ivy as well.
The church at the top
of the entrance stairway has a large double-armed
cross designed into the stone taking up most of
the west gable. Over the doorway of this church
is a rather stern-looking Sheela
Na Gig. Inside
the 16th century church are several interesting
17th century graves - one of which has a good,
if primitive, crucifixion scene with simplified
foliage decoration.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
Kilmacduagh Round Tower, County Galway
Saint
Colman, son of Duagh, established a monastery on
land given him by his
cousin King Guaire in the
7th century. According to legend, St.
Colman MacDuagh was walking through the woods of
the Burren when his girdle fell to the ground.
Taking this as a sign, he built his monastery on
this spot. The girdle was said to be studded with
gems and was held by the O'Shaughnessys centuries
later, along with St. Colman's crozier, or staff.
The girdle was later lost, but the crozier came
to be held by the O'Heynes and may now be seen
in the National Museum of Ireland. The Catholic
encyclopedia says of St. Colman: "Bishop and
patron of Kilmacduagh, born at Kiltartan c. 560;
died 29 October 632. He lived for many years as
a hermit in Arranmore, where he built two churches,
both forming the present group of ruins at Kilmurvy.
Thence he sought greater seclusion in the woods
of Burren, in 592, and at length, in 610, founded
a monastery, which became the centre of the tribal
Diocese of Aidhne." |
Click
image for more information
|
|
This
site was of such importance that it became the
center of a new diocese in the
12th century. It is now merged with the Diocese
of Galway. The monastery was plundered several
times in the 13th century. The interesting carved
stone features scattered throughout the small churches
are mostly inserts
from the late 11th to the 15th centuries. |
Kilree Round Tower, County
Kilkenny
The
round tower lies at the back of a fairly heavily
wooded cemetery, bisected by the wall that
separates the the complex from surrounding
open fields. Its doorway faces the ruin
of an early church with pronounced antae, although
nothing appears to be known of the monastery
here. The church and lands were transferred to
the Priory of Kells in the 13th century. Until
then, they had been the property of the dean
and chapter of the Ossory.
There is a 2.75 metre
sandstone Highcross across the field to the
west of the tower. It is said to be of 9th
century origin. Badly weathered, it is
beautifully carved with bosses, ornament, interlace,
and
what were once some figure carvings.
|
Click
image for more information
|
|
[back to top]
Kinneigh Round
Tower, County Cork
The
monastery at Kinneigh was founded by St. Mocholmóg
in the year 619, according to the "Annals of
Cork." It was situated about
a kilometre west of the present site of the Round
Tower. Very little of its history is known and
only a fragment of the walls of the old building
remains. The wall or fence that surrounded
the monastery grounds, enclosing about 16 acres,
still exists and the Castle Rock was within the
monastery grounds. Within the grounds was an
old cemetery and another part of the grounds
was known as the "Abhalgort" or Orchard.
A lightning strike in 1837 caused a fissure on
the south side and was most likely repaired as
the bell was installed around 1857 when the present
church was built. The tower attained National
Monument status within the last decade and in
2000 the OPW did some extensive preservation
work. The outside access ladder was removed for
safety though the stabilized interior ladders
between floors apparently still exist. |
Click
image for more information
|
|
Lusk Round Tower, County
Dublin
The
annals refer to the death of the abbot, St. Macculind,
| |
