Drumcliff Church and Round Tower, Medieval religious site in Drumcliff, Ireland
Drumcliff Church and Round Tower form a stone religious complex with partially preserved structures beside the Drumcliff River. The site contains fragments of high crosses scattered across the grounds and a cemetery with numerous historic graves.
St. Colmcille founded a monastic settlement here in 574, which grew into an important center of learning during the medieval period. The site experienced gradual decline over centuries through various conflicts and natural forces that affected many Irish religious communities.
The cemetery here holds the grave of poet William Butler Yeats, marked with his self-written epitaph from the poem Under Ben Bulben. The burial site draws visitors interested in Irish literature and the legacy of the Nobel Prize winner.
The site sits directly along the N15 road, about 8 kilometers north of Sligo town, with open access to the church grounds and cemetery. Visitors can walk freely through the outdoor areas to view the monuments and graves at any time.
Lightning struck the round tower in 1396, marking a turning point in its decline that led to its current fragmentary form. This documented event shows how natural forces have shaped the site's physical condition over time.
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