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When was the Clondalkin round tower built?

When was the Clondalkin round tower built?

7th century
The Round Tower, Clondalkin was founded in the 7th century by St Mochua and is one of only four remaining round towers in Co. Dublin. Thought to have been built around 790 AD, the tower stands at 27.5 metres high, still has its original cap and is thought to be the most slender of all the round towers in Ireland.

Why was the Clondalkin round tower built?

It was built in the centre of an early medieval monastery, which was originally founded by St Crónán Mo-Chua in the late 600s or early 700s. No one knows for certain why round towers were built or what they were used for. But most likely, they were mainly used as bell towers.

How old are round towers?

The towers were probably built between the 9th and 12th centuries. In Ireland about 120 examples are thought once to have existed; most are in ruins, while eighteen to twenty are almost perfect.

When was Glendalough round tower built?

11th Century
Approx date: 11th Century. Door: Above ground 3.2m.

Who built the round towers in Ireland?

Irish Christian monks
The ancient Round Towers that dot the Irish landscape were erected by Irish Christian monks and can also be found in areas where they served like the two that stand in Scotland and one on the Isle of Man.

What is the meaning of a round tower?

Definition for our day: “A Round Tower is a tall, free-standing stone tower, circular in plan, associated with a church. Excavated examples indicate that these towers have shallow foundations; their strength lies in their tapering circular form which gives a downward thrust.”

Why was the door of the round tower so high up?

The most popular theory is that the towers were used for defensive purposes. The monks took their treasures and hid inside the tower where they would be safe from raiders. The doorway, high up in the wall, made it difficult for unwanted guests to gain entry.

Are round towers unique to Ireland?

Ireland’s only unique contribution to world architecture, the free-standing round tower, survives at some 65 sites with examples in all but four of the 32 counties of this island. Their primary function was that of a belfry – the annals almost always label each one as a cloig-theach (bell house).

Can you swim in Glendalough?

Swimming and Paddling The mountain lakes are occasionally used by locals and visitors. The sandy area at the eastern end of the Upper Lake in Glendalough is a popular spot for paddling and swimming during the summer. Anyone entering the lake is warned that they do so at their own risk.

Why were round towers built in Ireland?

The most popular theory is that the towers were used for defensive purposes. The monks took their treasures and hid inside the tower where they would be safe from raiders. The doorway, high up in the wall, made it difficult for unwanted guests to gain entry. Another theory is that the towers were used as bell towers.

What are round towers used for?

The roof is usually made from stone and is generally cone shaped. There are several theories about the uses of round towers. The most popular theory is that the towers were used for defensive purposes. The monks took their treasures and hid inside the tower where they would be safe from raiders.

Why are towers round?

Round towers, also called drum towers, are more resistant to siege technology such as sappers and projectiles than square towers. The round front is more resistant than the straight side of a square tower, just as a load-bearing arch. This principle was already understood in antiquity.