Standing immediately southeast of the church at Kilcoona, this fragmentary round tower survives as just the base or “stump” of what was once a complete medieval structure. The remains consist of a circular foundation approximately 3.25 meters in diameter, rising to a maximum height of 2.5 meters—representing only a tiny fraction of what would have been the tower’s original height.

Construction and Surviving Masonry

The tower demonstrates high-quality medieval craftsmanship, built from large, well-dressed and coursed limestone blocks that reflect the skilled stonework typical of important ecclesiastical sites. Seven courses of masonry still survive on the north side, constructed above a basal plinth that provided additional stability for the structure.

The contrast between the north and south sides tells the story of the tower’s gradual deterioration. While the north side retains its dressed stone facing, the south side has collapsed to foundation level, revealing the rubble core construction typical of medieval Irish round towers. This core consisted of smaller stones and mortar fill contained between inner and outer faces of dressed stone—an efficient building technique that provided strength while using locally available materials.

Historical Documentation and Dating

According to round tower expert Barrow, this may be the tower specifically mentioned in the Irish Annals as being erected at “Annadown” in 1238. If this identification is correct, it would make this one of the latest-documented round tower constructions in Ireland, built well into the 13th century when most round tower construction had ceased.

The 1238 date places this tower in the period of Anglo-Norman influence in Ireland, when traditional Irish ecclesiastical architecture was giving way to continental European styles. The construction of a round tower at this late date suggests either a deliberate preservation of Irish architectural traditions or the completion of a project begun much earlier.

Archaeological Significance

The surviving foundation provides valuable evidence about round tower construction techniques, particularly the relationship between the dressed stone exterior and rubble core interior. The basal plinth demonstrates the care taken by medieval builders to provide stable foundations for these tall structures.

Despite its severely reduced state, the quality of the surviving masonry indicates this was once an impressive structure that would have dominated the landscape around Kilcoona. The complete loss of the upper portions—whether through deliberate demolition, gradual collapse, or stone robbing—represents the fate of many Irish round towers reduced to foundation-level remains.