Glendalough Round Tower

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Glendalough Round Tower

 

Located in the village of Laragh, Co. Wicklow, the Glendalough round tower was built by the monks of Saint Kevin's Monastery almost 1000 years ago. Constructed from Mica Schist and Granite, it stands at 33 metres high and is one of the best preserved towers in Ireland. These towers were originally called 'Cloigtheach', meaning Bell Tower, which suggests their original use. They served as refuge for monks from marauders, particularly Vikings, and also as beacons for approaching pilgrims. The site was once deemed so important that burial at Glendalough was thought of as prestigious as burial in Rome. Today, the tower and site receive over 1 million visitors per annum.

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