Kells Round Tower, Medieval round tower in Kells, Ireland.
Kells Round Tower is a medieval sandstone structure rising from the graveyard of a former monastic site. The tower reaches approximately 26 meters tall and contains nine window openings of two types: five with pointed arch heads and four with lintel openings that provided light to the interior.
The tower was built in the 10th century when monks from the Scottish island of Iona established a new community here. These structures served as defensive refuges during raids, which was the primary purpose of round towers across medieval Ireland.
The entrance doorway displays intricate carved jambs with weathered figures, including what appears to be a carved head. These details reflect the skilled craftsmanship of the monastic community that created and maintained this tower.
The entrance door is positioned several meters above ground level and is accessed by a ladder through the monastery graveyard. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground and limited accessibility around the site.
The five bell-story windows at the top align with the five main roads that entered the medieval town. This connection between the tower's design and the town's layout reveals how builders integrated the structure with urban planning.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
