Roscrea Round Tower

St Cronan founded the monastery in Roscrea in the late 6th Century (He died in the early part of the 7th Century).
The site was chosen as it formed part of the ancient route between Tara and Cashel.  
The tower dates from the 11th Century.
It is 20 meters high and made from sandstone.
The plain doorway is close to 2.5 meters from ground level.
The tower also has 3 windows.
The earliest mention of the round tower is when it was struck by lightning in 1131.

Across a very busy main road - but not early on a Sunday morning is the Romanesque 12th Century St Cronan's church (image 4).
What you can see in the picture is sadly all that is left of what must have been a stunning site.

Access - The tower and church are right beside the old Dublin to Roscrea main road (N62) just before you enter the town.
Parking can be found pretty easy within walking distance.     


 

Monaincha Abbey

Monaincha Abbey is located on what used to be an island in a bog.The principal remains are of a church with Romanesque features and a High Cross. The Abbey is built on the site of an earlier 8th century Monastery, the High Cross was erected in the 9th century, and the head was added in the 12th. In the Annals of the Four Masters it was described as the 31st wonder of the world. this was as a result of the Island being known as the Island of the Living, the Island on which no one could die. The abbey is about a two mile drive from Roscrea and is well sign posted, the site has a magic atmosphere that will stay with you long after your visit.