Kinneigh Round Tower
A round tower that was once part of a monastic settlement in Kinneigh
Unguided sitesNotice
Kinneigh 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
Kinneigh Round Tower
West of Castletownkenneigh, and south of Coppen, stands Kinneigh Round Tower, just outside Kinneigh graveyard. The original monastic enclosure was founded by St Mocholmóg in 619AD, but was sacked and plundered by the Vikings in 916AD. A round tower as part of a monastic settlement indicated a monastery was very wealthy. The round tower is dated to circa 1000AD.
This six storeyed round tower has a unique hexagonal base, built using dressed slate stones, and is over 67ft in height. The typical conical cap is missing, and in the 18th century the top of the round tower was modified to become a belfry for the Church of Ireland. Recently, the OPW have carried out remedial works to the stonework and added a protective copper cap to the top of the tower.
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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014
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