Kilmacduagh Abbey and the World’s Tallest Round Tower: Gort, Co Galway

For anyone wanting to take the roads over the Burren from Gort, Kilmacduagh is well worth the small detour. Dating back to the 7th century this is one of Ireland’s oldest monastic sites. Older in fact than Clonmacnoise but far less visited. The Round Tower has a clear lean and whilst many surrounding buildings are ruins, the graveyard is still in use. Take care and show respect when visiting especially if the site is in use.

There is a key available from the bungalow across the road from the site giving access to the museum room and some enclosed areas.

Editors Note: At 34 m (111 ft), this is the tallest round tower in the world… maybe that’s why it has such a lean 😉 — CT

• Wikipedia: Kilmacduagh Monastery
• Round Towers: Kilmacduagh Round Tower
• Phillip Coppins: Round Towers: Lanterns of the Dead
• Megalithic Ireland: Kilmacduagh Cathedral
• Megalithic Ireland: Glebe House
• Megalithic Ireland: Church of St John the Baptist
• Megalithic Ireland: Kilmacduagh Round Tower
• Megalithic Ireland: Temple MacDuagh
• Megalithic Ireland: Temple Mary