Roscrea Monastic Site

Map Reference: S138894 (2138, 1894)

The Round Tower is probably the oldest building in Roscrea. It is part of a monastery founded by St Cronan in the early 7th century. The tower dates from the 10th century.





It is about 20m high and has a simple round-headed doorway. It was used as a dwelling until the early 19th century. The last inhabitants were responsible for hanging out flags for the local Orange Society. Across the road from the Round Tower is the west facade of a 12th century Romanesque church. Above the round-headed doorway is a hood enclosing the figure of a bishop. On either side of the doorway is a blind arcade.



The High Cross which stood near this church has now been removed for conservation purposes. It appears to date from the 12th century and features large figures in high relief on both faces.The following photos were taken in the 1980s.





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 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 Ardmore, Co Waterford Glendalough, Co Wicklow

For details of other Decorated Romanesque Doorways & Arches click on the links below

Kilmore Cathedral, Co Cavan Dysert O’Dea, Co Clare Killaloe Cathedral, Co Clare White Island, Co Fermanagh Annaghdown Cathedral, Co Galway Clonfert, Co Galway Tuam Cathedral, Co Galway Aghadoe, Co Kerry Ardfert Cathedral, Co Kerry Kilmalkedar, Co Kerry Castledermott, Co Kildare Kildare Cathedral, Co Kildare Freshford, Co Kilkenny Ullard, Co Kilkenny Killeshin, Co Laois Timahoe, Co Laois The Nun's Church, Clonmacnois, Co Offaly Rahan, Co Offaly Cashel, Co Tipperary Donaghmore, Co Tipperary Kilcash, Co Tipperary Monaincha, Co Tipperary St Saviour’s Priory, Glendalough, Co Wicklow