Antrim Round Tower:A legacy of Ireland's early Christian heritage


Antrim Round Tower

Today I am posting information on the Antrim Round Tower, in Antrim, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Location is about eighteen miles N.W. of Belfast.

This is an important example of Ireland’s early Christian heritage.

Key facts and history:
  • The tower reaches height of 28 meters ( 92 feet) above ground level.
  • The only extant remains of an early Christian monastic settlement, which may have been founded around AD495 by St. Aebh.
  • The Tower may date from the 10th century AD and could have had a dual role as bell tower and place of refuge.
  • Historical Annals report that the adjoining site was destroyed in 1018 and burned in 1147. The remains may have been cleared when under private ownership in the late 18th or early 19th century.
  • The doorway is about 2.35 meters ( 7.7 feet) above ground level above which is a block of granite featuring a carving of a celtic cross. This feature helps to date the structure.
  • Windows at the very top face the four points of the compass. Other windows face ENE, S, W, and S.
  • The tower is signposted and can be accessed from Steeple Road.

Antrim Round Tower

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