Balla Round Tower

Balla formed part of what was known as the medieval road Tochar Phádraig, linking Balla, Ballintubber and Aghagower with Croagh Patrick. Balla monastery was founded in the 7^th century by St. Crónán. Little information remains about the monastery, however it is believed that St. Crónán was guided by a cloud, and a natural spring indicated where he was to set up his monastery.

Balla round tower dates to the 12^th century, and no longer has its conical cap, nor does it stand to its full height. Local folklore tells of a priest, Canon Gibbons, who wanted to use the round tower as a bell tower, but it was too tall. His solution was to have the top half of the round tower removed. The bell was installed in the 19^th century, but was later removed in the 20^th century.

Today Balla Round Tower measures 10m in height, and is built of sandstone, with an almost smooth finish, with two bullaun stones built into its base. Rebuilding of the tower is visible from the 2^nd floor, as the stones are larger and more finely cut.

Unusually, Balla Round Tower has two entrances at two different levels. The original entrance, with traces of Romanesque moulding, is believed to be too high, and enters into the 2^nd floor of the tower. The second entrance, with a medieval cross slab as it lintel, is believed to be too low, and enters the ground floor of the tower, dating to the 15^th/16^th century.

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