towers historical ireland

Just north of Lahinch, on the coast of West Clare, are the famous Cliffs of Moher, defiantly standing as giant natural ramparts (over 200m high) against the agressive might of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Cliffs of Moher (the Great Wall of Thomond) and O'Brien's Tower, which stands out on a headland, shows the extent of the O'Brien influence on the history of the Celtic Tribes. The Cliffs are 8km long and 214m high. It is there that one can most easily get a feel for the wildness of the terr...

Tholsel which stands at the junction of West Street and Shop Street. This is a fine builiding of local limestone, surmounted by a tower, which houses a large four-faced clock. Erected in 1770 on the site of the old mediaeval wooden Tholsel, it was for almost 130 years the centre of municipal authority, until the Corporation moved its offices and Council Chambers to the then newly-erected Courthouse in Fair Street in 1889. It is now occupied by the Bank of Ireland Group, who keep the building...

Imposing, gothic Style buildings near Lismore surrounded by pleasant wodland walks and picnic area. The small castle is not open to the public....

The foundation of the first monastery is attributed to St. Cronan, otherwise called Mo-Chua, who lived possibly in the 6th century. The monastery is first mentioned in 776.
It was plundered by the Vikings in 832. In 1076 the southern half of Ireland demanded the expulsion of O'Ronain from the abbacy as it was claimed that he held it against the rightful abbot.

This probably means that the monastery had fallen into lay hands by that time. The most important remnant of the monaste...

The Magdalene Tower crowns the highest point in the northern part of the town and is a landmark for many miles around. It was the belfry tower of the once extensive Dominican friary founded here about 1224 by Lucas de Netterville Archbishop of Armagh. The tower appears to be of 14th century construction and was possibly a later addition to the monastery. It springs from a fine Gothic Arch above which there are two further storeys connected by a spiral staircase, the entrance to which is a con...

St Declan founded Ireland's earliest Christian settlement in Ardmore in 416 A.D. before the arrival of St Patrick. The 12th Century Round Tower, is 29m high and is the best example of an Irish Round Tower. The carvings on the West Gable of the Cathedral are special to Ardmore and depict Biblical scenes, as well as scenes from the early Christianisation of Ardmore. Nearby are St Declan's Grave (Beannachan). Ogham Stones, St. Declan's Stone and St. Declan's Well (Hermitage). The Round Tower...

Clones Round Tower, High Cross and Church The round tower is 75 feet, with a square headed doors and windows. Nearby is a shrine known as "St. Tighernach's shrine," which is carved out of stone. The shrine is named after St. Tighernach who founded a monastery in Clones in the 6th century, which the tower, cross and church belonged.

The cross is in two parts which did not belong together originally. On one side are the sacrifice of Isaac, Daniel in the Lions' Den and Adam and Eve. On th...

A 40 foot mote, originally topped by a wooden tower and dating to the early 13th century. It is said Cromwell positioned cannon on it during the ill fated siege of Callan in 1649....

Kilree (Cell Righ in Irish) makes certain its former importance is not overlooked by the presence of a lofty 10th century round tower. That alone means that in this important and ancient place there was need of lookout vigilance and a need for protection of precious objects....

A strategic tower known as the Black Castle, guarding the very early river crossing. Access direct from the tow-path....