This represents another case of a “phantom” round tower—one recorded in historical literature but lacking archaeological evidence. Gwynn and Hadcock, prominent scholars of Irish ecclesiastical history, documented reports of “the stump of a round tower” in the vicinity of St. Coman’s medieval church at Kilmacduagh, but modern investigation has failed to substantiate these claims.

Archaeological Investigation

A comprehensive four-season (2004-2007) archaeological investigation funded by the Heritage Council specifically examined the site around St. Coman’s church to locate evidence of this reported round tower. Despite thorough archaeological work, the investigation found no evidence of earlier occupation that would support the existence of a round tower at this location.

This negative result is significant because archaeological investigation can typically identify round tower sites even when no visible remains survive above ground. Foundation trenches, distinctive stone scatter, or changes in soil composition usually mark former tower locations. The absence of any such evidence suggests the reported “stump” was likely misidentified or never existed.

Historical Documentation Issues

The case illustrates the challenges inherent in relying solely on historical accounts without archaeological verification. Gwynn and Hadcock were respected scholars whose multi-volume work “Medieval Religious Houses: Ireland” remains a standard reference, but their documentation of this tower appears to have been based on local tradition rather than direct observation or reliable historical sources.

The phrase “said to be” in their record suggests they were reporting secondhand information rather than documenting a structure they had personally examined. Such cautious language often indicates uncertainty about the reliability of the source material.

The Problem of Tower Identification

Various types of medieval and later structures can be mistaken for round tower remains, particularly when reduced to foundation level. Church ruins, defensive towers, mill foundations, or even natural rock formations have all been misidentified as round tower stumps in Irish archaeological literature.

Scholarly Correction

The Heritage Council-funded investigation represents good archaeological practice, testing historical claims through systematic excavation and survey. The negative results help refine our understanding of Ireland’s round tower distribution and demonstrate the importance of combining documentary research with physical evidence.

This case joins other examples like the questionable round tower at Lorum, County Carlow, where local tradition created “phantom” towers that careful investigation revealed to be unfounded.