Standing sentinel over Galway Bay, the round tower at Roscam presents one of Irish archaeology’s most intriguing puzzles. At nearly 11 metres tall, this incomplete tower bears the unusual distinction of having its medieval scaffolding holes still visible on the exterior walls, putlock holes that builders typically filled in once construction was complete.

The site has ancient roots, with a monastery established here as early as the 6th century under St Odran, nephew of the renowned St Kieran of Clonmacnoise. Like many early Irish religious sites, it suffered the attention of Viking raiders who devastated the settlement in 807 AD. Whether the tower’s incomplete state relates to this attack or simply represents an abandoned building project remains unclear.

What makes Roscam particularly fascinating is its architectural oddities. The doorway sits unusually low to the ground, just 1.2 metres up, when most round tower doors were positioned much higher for defensive purposes. Inside, the tower widens slightly towards the top rather than narrowing as was typical, creating an internal wall that slopes outwards. The parapet top appears to be a later medieval addition, possibly added when the nearby church was built in the 14th or 15th century.

The surrounding landscape holds its own secrets. An ancient graveyard overlooks the bay, dotted with weathered headstones and containing two bullaun stones—one allegedly used by St Patrick for washing his hands. The site sits within what appears to be a large ecclesiastical enclosure, though massive stone walls now serve the practical purpose of containing livestock on the working farm.

The medieval church ruins stand nearby, though access can be challenging due to the agricultural setting. From Galway harbour, ships entering the bay are treated to one of the finest views of the tower, rising dramatically from the pastoral landscape against the backdrop of Galway Bay.