This unique structure at Ferns represents one of the most architecturally unusual examples in the corpus of Irish round towers, combining traditional circular tower elements with a square base in a hybrid design that challenges conventional understanding of round tower architecture. Attached to the west wall of St. Mary's Abbey...
Round tower, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
Standing northwest of the cathedral on slightly higher ground within the main graveyard, this magnificent round tower at Glendalough represents one of Ireland's most complete and architecturally sophisticated examples. Rising 30.48 meters with its reconstructed conical cap and built from distinctive local materials, the tower serves as the crowning monument...
Round Tower at Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Located toward the top of a north-facing slope with commanding views across the Waterford coastline, this exceptional 12th-century round tower at Ardmore stands as one of Ireland's most architecturally sophisticated and well-preserved examples. Rising approximately 29 meters with distinctive external recessing and elaborate carved decoration, the tower demonstrates the pinnacle...
Lost Round Tower at Emly, Co. Tipperary
This vanished round tower at Emly represents one of the most historically significant lost examples, documented through both medieval annals and 17th-century visual evidence. The tower's destruction in 1058 during a major military assault, combined with possible visual documentation from 1681, provides a rare combination of historical and artistic evidence...
Round Tower at St. Patrick’s Rock, Cashel
Standing on the south side of the summit of the famous Rock of Cashel, this magnificent round tower represents one of Ireland's most architecturally sophisticated and historically significant examples. Rising 27.9 meters (including its 4.42-meter conical cap) and uniquely connected to the adjacent 13th-century cathedral through a passage, the tower...