Oughterard Church and Round Tower

Map Reference: N957264 (2957, 2264)

St Bridget (not the well-known saint who also came from Kildare) is said to have founded a convent here in the 6th century. It was burned in 1094. The only remnant of an early foundation is the Round Tower. It is composed mainly of uncoursed limestone. It stands 9.5m high with a doorway 2.65m above ground level. This has a round head and faces east. It is constructed of granite blocks although the sill is an irregular slab of limestone. There is only one remaining window. It faces south and is a simple square-headed structure also composed of granite blocks





The church nearby is said to have been built in 1609 but it may be earlier. The chancel is intact with a good vaulted roof.



There is a fine three-light square-headed east window and small windows in the north and south walls.



A doorway in the south wall leads to a spiral stairway which ascends a small tower projecting from the south wall and now almost detached.







The nave is fragmentary.



For details of other Round Towers click on the links below

Antrim, Co Antrim Armoy, Co Antrim St Mullin’s, Co Carlow Drumlane, Co Cavan Drumcliff, Co Clare Dysert O’Dea, Co Clare Cloyne, Co Cork Kinneigh, Co Cork Tory Island, Co Donegal Drumbo, Co Down Maghera, Co Down Nendrum, Co Down Lusk, Co Dublin Swords, Co Dublin Devenish, Co Fermanagh Kilbennan, Co Galway Kilmacduagh, Co Galway Roscam, Co Galway Aghadoe, Co Kerry Ratoo, Co Kerry Castledermott, Co Kildare Kildare, Co Kildare Kilcullen, Co Kildare Taghadoe, Co Kildare Aghaviller, Co Kilkenny Grangefertagh, Co Kilkenny Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny Kilree, Co Kilkenny Tullaherin, Co Kilkenny Timahoe, Co Laois Kilmallock, Co Limerick Dromiskin, Co Louth Monasterboice, Co Louth Aghagower, Co Mayo Balla, Co Mayo Killala, Co Mayo Meelick, Co Mayo Turlough, Co Mayo Donaghmore, Co Meath Kells, Co Meath Clones, Co Monaghan Clonmacnois, Co Offaly Boyle, Co Roscommon Oran, Co Roscommon Drumcliffe, Co Sligo Cashel, Co Tipperary Roscrea, Co Tipperary Ardmore, Co Waterford Glendalough, Co Wicklow