Why this matters
Built in the 19th century as part of the church's expansion, the Tower at Donabate is important as a rare example of ecclesiastical defensive architecture in Ireland. Its design reflects the fusion of religious and local seigneurial traditions in the region.
What is recorded here
There is a residential tower attached to the east end of St Patrick's C of I Church. It rises to three storeys with a stepped battlemented parapet level (ext dims. L 6.10, Wth 5.4). The cap house, which projects above the battlement level, contains the stairs. There is a carved head projecting from the exterior of the east wall at second floor level. The residental tower is entered through a pointed arched doorway with chamfered jambs which is located in the N. This shows signs of damage and repair. A wooden studded door is still in situ. The first floor chamber contains a wall press and a plain fireplace, the flue for which is carried on corbels in the N wall. Interior is lit by rectangular windows with chamfered granite jambs. Stairs to second floor are damaged. This chamber is lit by plain single slit opes (Healy 1975, 25).
Compiled by: Geraldine Stout
Updated by: Christine Baker
Date of upload: 15 January 2015
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