Turlough Round Tower
The Round Tower of Turlough ( Irish Turlach ) in County Mayo is one of the best preserved round towers in Ireland . It is within sight of the just outside Turlough situated The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life , about 8 km northeast of Castlebar on the north side of the N5 (street).
The tower, built between 900 and 1200, stands on a slope. Its circumference is around 17.5 m, with a diameter of almost 5.5 m. The height above the embankment is 22.86 m. Since it is comparatively thick, the tower makes a stocky impression. The arched, walled-up door is to the southeast and 3.96 m above the ground. The tower has a number of windows. A later door was installed below the blocked original door near the floor.
The associated monastery Turlough was founded by Patrick of Ireland , who is said to have built a church. The monastery had been closed since the 13th century. The church was reportedly looted by MacWilliam in 1236 and later destroyed by Cromwell's forces. A drawing from 1792 shows the cap in a ruinous condition. It was repaired in 1880.
See also
literature
- Brian Lalor: The Irish Round Tower: origins and architecture explored. Collins Press 1999.
- Tadhg O'Keeffe: Ireland's round towers: buildings, rituals and landscapes of the early Irish church. 2004.
Web links
Coordinates: 53 ° 53 '19.3 " N , 9 ° 12' 29.9" W.