Round tower in Dysart

Early Christian church associated with Aonghas of Tallaght who gave his name to this foundation known as Díseart Aonghasa anglicised as Dysart Enos. Aonghas was a ninth century bishop who died c. 830 and was author of Féilire Aonghasa (Martyrology of Aonghas) which was reputedly started at his church in Dysart and finished in the monastery of Tallaght, Co. Dublin (Ó Riain 2011, 79). Unlocated round tower inside or in close proximity to the graveyard (LA013-059003-) at Dysart. In 1792 Daniel Beaufort (1792, 139-40) wrote that in Dysart were the remains of a round tower which the author had seen at this time. It has been suggested that Beaufort mistakenly identified the square tower on the W end of Dysart church (LA013-059001-) for a round tower (SMR file). This seems unlikely as the identification of the round tower was based on a personal visit to the site by Daniel Beaufort in 1792. The precise location of this possible round tower in the townland of Dysart has not been identified. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revision: 2 October 2014

The round tower in Dysart was built in the 9th or 10th century by the early Christian community associated with Bishop Aonghas of Tallaght, who founded the monastery known as Díseart Aonghasa. It is part of a monastic site dedicated to St Aonghas (Enoch), and its construction reflects the typical Irish early Christian architectural style, with significance as a religious and cultural center during the medieval period.