Grangefertagh Round Tower & Church
Map Reference: S308696 (2308, 1696)
The monastery at Grangefertagh (or just Fertagh) was probably founded by St Ciaran of Seir in the 6th century. The site was raided by Vikings in 861 and in 1156 the high king, Murtagh MacNeale burned the Round Tower with the lector inside it. This Round Tower is the only remnant of the early monastery.
It stands about 30m high and retains some of its conical top. The doorway retained its rounded top until the early 19th century when a farmer named Switzer removed the stones. He thought that the stones were fireproof and fitted them, unsuccessfully, as firebricks in his kitchen.
The doorway is now blocked up. In the 13th century the Blanchevilles founded a monastery close by for the Canons Regular of St Augustine. The church of this monastery was in use until 1780 and now forms part of a handball alley.
The MacGillpatrick Chapel was attached to the church and contains the tomb of John MacGillpatrick and his wife. It dates from the early 16th century and was carved by Rory O Tunney. The tomb supports the double effigy of MacGillpatrick and his wife and the chest is decorated with images of window tracery and lierne vaulting in low relief.
For details of other Round Towers click on the links below
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