Aghaviller Church & Round Tower

Map Reference: S497351 (2497, 1351)

At Aghaviller the Round Tower is the only remnant of the Early Christian monastery, the history of which is almost unknown.



It may have been founded by St Brendan of Birr (d. c570) and Abbot Caroc died in 896. The tower still stands to a height of 9.6m and there is a good round-headed doorway. This is about 1.7m high and about 4m above ground level. It has a plain flat moulding.



There is a comparatively modern square-headed doorway at ground level. The large rectangular tower nearby may have been built as a church in the 12th or 13th century. It was probably fortified about 1600 when the vault and top storey were constructed.



The large windows were reduced in size for defensive purposes. Some time later the building may have been used again as a church. A straight stairway in the north wall leads to above the vault where there is a fireplace.





























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 Oughterard, Co Kildare Taghadoe, Co Kildare 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