The Round Tower

This was built about the 9th century as a place of storage. Later during the Viking invasion from 795 - 1014, it was a place of refuge into which the monks could retreat in times of danger. The tower was originally about 90 ft high and had a conical cap. It contained 4 storeys, and on the top storey there were 4 windows. The door was about 8 feet above the ground. The conical cap and top storey fell some time between 1591 and 1739. Some further historical background on the round towers of Ireland is available.