Round tower in Emly

Unlocated within Emily. The Annals record that the 'cloig-theach' at the monastery at Emly was completely burnt, together with the church, in 1058 by Turlough O'Brien (Barrow 1979, 190). A sketch by Thomas Dineley, drawn in 1681, shows the medieval cathedral (TS065-013002-) from the NE with the E gable in the foreground. A ruined structure is depicted immediately to the NW of the cathedral, at the W end of the N side aisle, which Barrow (ibid.) speculates may be the remains of the round tower. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 13 May 2014

The round tower in Emly was likely built by a monastic community associated with the early Christian church, probably between the 9th and 11th centuries. It is significant as part of a monastic site that was destroyed in 1058, as recorded in the Annals, and reflects the architectural and religious traditions of early medieval Ireland.