Roscrea Round Tower
Most likely the Round Tower also dates to the twelfth century.
It now stands some 20 metres high but its original height was
twenty feet higher. The top was removed following an incident
in the town in 1798. As is usual in round towers the doorway
is well above ground level.
The first floor window has an incised figure of a three-masted
sailing ship, one of the earliest pictorial references to such
a vessel as survives in Ireland. How ironic that our town, the
most landlocked one in the country should have such a treasure!
The adjoining Manor Mills are being restored to house a minimalist
exhibition on Monastic Roscrea. As well as housing St Cronan’s
Cross it will also display the ninth century decorated Roscrea
pillar, probably of Monaincha origin.
Due to the generosity of Mr George J.J. Fasenfeld, the adjoining
field was donated to Roscrea People Trust and is being landscaped
as a public garden around the monastic site.
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