Aghaviller Round Tower and Church

Founded by Saint Brendan of Birr

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Aghaviller Round Tower and Church

Aghaviller Church and round tower, formed part of an early Christian foundation believed to have been founded by St Brendan of Birr. The round tower, built in the 11^th century, as it stands today, is only 9.6m above ground level and built of sandstone. It sits on a purposely built square plinth. The original entrance door, 4m above ground, has an architrave surround and, internally, the wooden floors were supported by internal offsets. A more recent entrance door has been inserted at ground level. A round tower was a necessary safety feature of all financially thriving monastic settlement, as it was where the riches of the settlement were stored in times of attack from the Irish and Vikings.

The Church, dating to the 12^th century, has been modified. In the late 15^th century a residential tower was added above the chancel. The stone altar in front of the east window, pointed doorways, door jams, glazing bar holes, draw bar slots, arches, stone stairs, projecting corbels and window embrasures are just some of the visible architectural features.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014