clones 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 the opposite side are the multipication of the loaves and fishes, the wedding feast at Cana and the adoration of the Magi. The other two sides are decorated with geometric symbols.

The cross is believed to originate from the 9th century. Not far from this is the "Abbey" the remains of a 12th century church. The 17th and 18th century gravestones depict skulls, cross bones- indicating their professions.