This vanished round tower at Kilbarry provides a detailed example of how Irish round towers were systematically destroyed and their materials reused during the 18th and 19th centuries. The tower's story, from its collapse around 1770 to the final removal of its stump around 1830, illustrates the practical fate that...
Questionable Round Tower at Mocmoyne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
This represents another case of a highly dubious round tower claim based on secondhand testimony rather than reliable archaeological evidence. The reference by John O'Donovan around 1837 that "a land surveyor named Connolly had seen the foundations of a round tower at the site of Assylin church" illustrates the challenges...
Round Tower at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly
Standing among the ruins of Ireland's most famous monastic city, the round tower at Clonmacnoise represents one of the most historically documented examples in the country. Rising 19 meters through five stories and built from finely cut limestone ashlar blocks, this tower carries the local name "O'Rourke's Tower" and possesses...
Questionable Round Tower at Durrow Demesne, Co. Offaly
This represents another case of a "phantom" round tower—one proposed by 19th-century antiquarian George Petrie but lacking any supporting physical evidence. The absence of surface remains at Durrow Demesne highlights the challenges inherent in early Irish archaeological scholarship and the importance of distinguishing between documented monuments and theoretical reconstructions. Petrie's...
Round Tower at Inishkeen, Co. Monaghan
Standing in the glebe lands of Inishkeen, this round tower represents one of County Monaghan's important ecclesiastical monuments, notable for its substantial dimensions and evidence of both medieval construction and modern restoration. Despite significant alterations over the centuries, the tower retains valuable architectural information and continues to serve as a...