Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower

An abbey associated with Saints and Gaelic Lords

Unguided sites

Near Milltown
Cavan

Access available during daylight hours

Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower

An abbey associated with Saints and Gaelic Lords

Unguided sites

Near Milltown
Cavan

Access available during daylight hours

Facilities

Car park

Restrictions

Appropriate footwear
No toilet facilities

Notice

Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works

WARNING: It should be noted that these sites are unguided and a level of care and caution should be maintained during all stages of your visit. The Office Of Public Works (OPW) will not be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur

Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower

Drumlane Abbey was an important site associated with St. Aidan or Maedhóg. The round tower and medieval church are the remaining structures still existing today. The round tower dates back to the 11^th or 12^th century, and the church that previously stood on site was replaced by a medieval building.

According to local legend, it is said that the bell from the original church can be heard ringing, every few years, from the bottom of the Drumlane Lake.

Drumlane acted as the burial place for the O’Reilly’s – the local Gaelic Lords – and the remains of the tomb niches date back to the late medieval period.

Conservation works on stabilising the eastern gable wall of the church began in 2014 by the OPW, under the inspection of former Senior Conservation Architect Ana Dolan. These extensive works were completed in 2017. See Ana’s article on the conservation work carried out: https://heritageireland.ie/articles/drumlane-abbey-and-round-tower/

Protect our Past - Click here to read about the importance of protecting our country’s unique heritage sites

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