Round tower in Tullyard,steeplestown

John O’ Donovan in the 1836 speculated that Tullyard from Tullach Ard – the high hill, once had a round tower because it was known amongst Gaelic speakers as Baile Chalcthighe (from Cloigteach – bell tower) or Steeplestown as it was known in English, and he had local confirmation that a tower was extant in the area in the 1750s (Herity 2001, 67-8). Tullaghard and Steeplestown are both recorded as townland names on the Down Survey (1655-8) barony map of Navan. In 1171 Tiernan O Rourke burnt the Cloigtheach of Telach-aird (AFM), and this is identified as Tullyard (Barrow 1979, 170), but no other history can be attached to it. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revision: 17 April 2019

A round tower in Tullyard, Steeplestown, likely built between the 9th and 12th centuries, reflecting early Christian monastic architecture; its name and local tradition suggest a dedication to a bell tower or church, though specific builders or dedications are not recorded. Its significance lies in the linguistic and historical clues linking it to Gaelic religious sites.