St Annes Tower

Convent of St. Anne, founded c. 1190 (Hayman 1855, 327); the nuns tended the beacon tower (Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 325). Convent no longer standing by 1644; circular tower survived (H c. 24ft; diam. c. 10ft) until 1848 when it was demolished to build present lighthouse (Hayman ibid., 328-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

St Anne's Tower at Knockaverry was built as part of the Convent of St. Anne, founded around 1190, and served as a beacon tower tended by the nuns. The surviving circular tower, dating to the late 12th century, was demolished in 1848; it stood about 24 feet high with a diameter of 10 feet and is significant as a rare monastic defensive or signaling structure.