Cloigtheach (Round Tower) — Aghaviller

At the W end of Aghaviller graveyard (KK031-030002-), adjacent to the W boundary wall with forestry on the W side. A modified 12th/13th-century church (KK031-030003-) with later residential tower (KK031-030004-) lies along the N wall of the graveyard c. 25m to the NE. According to Carrigan (1905, vol. 4, 6) St Brendan of Birr was the patron of the church and the holy well (Kk031-029---) c. 200m to the NW is dedicated to him. The lower portion of this round tower survives (H 9.6m), constructed of sandstone ashlar masonry, with large courses both at the base and above the doorway and smaller courses in between (ext. diam. 4.85m; int. diam. 2.65m; wall T at doorway 1.1m). The round tower is built on a square plinth (dims. 5.2m N-S; 5.35m E-W) with some stones missing at the angles. The base of the tower rests on a projecting basal course (H 0.3m. Wth 0.2m). The tower was accessed at first-floor level via a round-headed doorway, c. 4m above ground level, in the NE face. The doorway, though worn, has an architrave surround which does not continue on the keystone. The keystone is higher than the surrounding voussoirs and, like them, continues through the thickness of the wall. The wooden floors were supported on internal offsets and each floor reached internally by a ladder. There is a SW-facing triangular-shaped window at second-floor level. A modern flat-headed doorway has been inserted at ground level facing E. Lalor (2016, 169) suggests an 11th-century date for this tower house. (National Monument no. 334) See attached photographs: KK031-030001-_01 NE face of round tower KK031-030001-_02 Round-headed doorway in NE face KK031-030001-_03 S face of round tower KK031-030001-_04 Interior of round tower KK031-030001-_05 Round tower and graveyard from top of Aghaviller church Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 February 2018