Irish Round Towers Photos

Irish round towers came into use (c1100-1200) as protection from Viking invaders, allowing monastic communities to both survey the countryside for raiders and have a fortification. Such towers had entrances several meters above ground level, reached by ladders which could be pulled inside.

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Round tower at Glendalough. Ireland.Round tower at Glendalough. Ireland.Round tower entrance door at Glendalough. Ireland.Celtic cross at base of round tower at Glendalough. Ireland.
Round tower at Glendalough. Ireland.Round tower (c11thC) (30m tall with 6 floors) at Glendalough. Ireland.Round tower entrance door (3m above ground for defense) at Glendalough. Ireland.Celtic cross at base of round tower at Glendalough. Ireland.
Round tower entrance door at Glendalough. Ireland.Round Tower at Glendalough. Ireland.Muiredach's high cross seen before round tower at Monasterboice. Ireland.Tall Cross & round tower at Monasterboice. Ireland.
Round tower entrance door (12 feet above ground for defense) at Glendalough. Ireland.Round Tower (c11th or 12thC) at Glendalough. Ireland.Muiredach's high cross seen before round tower at Monasterboice. Ireland.Tall Cross (West High Cross) & round tower at Monasterboice. Ireland.
Round tower built as protection against Viking raiders at Monasterboice. Ireland.Doorway to round tower would normally be 15-20 feet above ground, but burials raised ground levels at Monasterboice. Ireland.Round Tower beside St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny. Ireland.Partial cross & round tower at Kells. Ireland.
Round tower (10th-11thC) built as protection against Viking raiders at Monasterboice. Ireland.Doorway to round tower would normally be 15-20 feet above ground, but burials raised ground levels at Monasterboice. Ireland.Round Tower (c700-1000) beside St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny. Ireland.Partial cross & round tower at Kells. Ireland.
Round Tower & Irish crosses at Rock of Cashel. Ireland.Round tower on corner of cathedral at Rock of Cashel. Cashel, Ireland.Round tower stonework detail at Rock of Cashel. Cashel, Ireland.Medieval Irish-type round tower beside later Brechin Cathedral. Brechin, Scotland.
Round Tower & Irish crosses at Rock of Cashel. Ireland.Round tower (12thC) on corner of cathedral at Rock of Cashel. Cashel, Ireland.Round tower (12thC) stonework detail at Rock of Cashel. Cashel, Ireland.Medieval Irish-type round tower (11thC) beside later Brechin Cathedral. Brechin, Scotland.
Medieval Irish-type round tower beside later Brechin Cathedral. Brechin, Scotland.


Medieval Irish-type round tower (11thC) beside later Brechin Cathedral. Brechin, Scotland.


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All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Jim Steinhart.
All rights reserved. Permission required to use.

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