Convent

Located in the centre of the modern town of Portlaoise, behind the Convent. Circular stone tower house located to the E of the plantation fort (LA013-041001-) and marked on c. 1560 map of Maryborough as being situated within the town walls of the town. This circular stone tower house with base batter survives to full height and is incoporated into a nineteenth century convent that is attached to one side of the circular tower. Evidence of stone corbels indicate floor levels within the interior of the tower. On the 1560 map this stone tower had a two storey gable fronted house with central chimney stack attached to its N face. Small stream ran between the plantation fort and the circular tower and is now represented by the modern road in front of the convent Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Built by the Dominican Order in the 13th century, the Convent in Maryborough was an important religious and community center. It is remembered for its historical role in the spiritual and social life of the region and for its early stone tower house, which appears on 16th-century maps.