Don't you just love it when a sign tells you there's parking and when you get there the gates are locked! It's even better when you're then on a single lane and can't turn around.
The tower itself is nearly complete and stands next to the gable end wall of an old church. It looks very 'clean' and I presume it has had some renevation work done on it.
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_All Sites Visited On 27th January 2002 « Previous Site Next Site »
When I came here previously I was in a rush and the gates to the carpark were locked so I took a photo and moved on. This time the opposite was true so I had chance to look around properly.
It is said that a monastery was founded here in the 5th century by Patrick (who else?), but the round tower is significantly younger than that, being built around 1200.
A couple of unusal features are apparent. Firstly there are no top-floor windows, but this could be the result of it being badly restored. Then the doorway has two stone head flanking it and a crucifix above it in heavy relief. This crucifix is very similar to the one on the main carved cross at the Glendalough (County Wicklow).
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_| John B from California |   |
From Navan take the N51 north and turn right at the first opportunity. The round tower is on your left after just 100m or so.
A Random Selection of Nearby Monuments
 Kilbenan (Co. Galway) |  Meelick (Co. Mayo) |  Rathmichael Church (Co. Dublin) |
 Kinneigh (Co. Cork) |  Killala (Co. Mayo) |  Oran (Co. Roscommon) |
