Location: In the main Clonmacnoise site and very easy to spot.
OS: N 00938 30665
Longitude: -7.9866555
Latitude: 53.326468
Description and History: This tower dates to 1124 and was built by Turlough O’Connor, although it is known as O'Rourke's Tower. The top was destroyed by lightening in 1135 and the present top with 8 small windows is later in date. The bell was stolen by English soldiers in 1552. The doorway is elevated, as is largely the norm with round towers. It is 19m in height and 5.6m in diameter. It was likely several metres taller originally, but the lightening damage and later remodelling probably shortened it significantly. It was originally five storeys high, and the supports for the wooden floors are still present internally. One can only imagine how impressive this must have been originally in this amazing setting. It would have been a pilgrim's first glimpse of Clonmacnoise either by road, or travelling along the Shannon. Similarly, the view from the top of the tower must have been impressive.
Difficulty: This is the first thing that you meet as you leave the visitors centre so it couldn’t be easier.
Date of Visit: 7th February, 2010. 11th June, 2011. 15th August, 2023. 16th May, 2025.
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| 2010 |
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| 2011 |
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| 2023 |
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| 2025 |
