Overview
Clones Round Tower stands in the historic centre of Clones, County Monaghan, as a striking reminder of early Irish monastic life. Built of local sandstone in the early 10th century, the tower originally reached almost 23 metres (75 feet) and would have been capped by a stone conical roof – a feature that has since vanished. The structure is four storeys high, with a doorway set 1.5 m above ground level and a single surviving east‑facing window. It sits beside the remains of the 12th‑century Augustinian church, a high cross, and the stone shrine of St Tighernach, creating a compact heritage precinct that can be explored on foot.
History
The monastic settlement at Clones was founded in the 6th century by St Tighernach (also known as St Tierney), a bishop of Clogher who, according to tradition, was baptised by St Brigid at Kildare. The settlement grew into a thriving centre of learning and worship, attracting pilgrims from across Ireland, Britain and even France.
During the Viking age the tower served a dual purpose: a bell house (the Irish term cloigteach literally means “bell house”) and a refuge where the community could store its valuables and seek shelter during raids. Historical records note that Clones was attacked by Vikings in 836 AD, and the monastery suffered fires in 1095 and 1184. Each time the community rebuilt, the round tower remained a focal point, its sturdy masonry bearing witness to the town’s resilience.
In the 12th century the original monastic community was re‑established as the Augustinian Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul. The adjoining church, dating from around 1150, was constructed for the Augustinian Order of Canon Regular. Over the centuries the site fell into ruin after the suppression of monasteries under Henry VIII, yet the tower survived, albeit roofless, and was later incorporated into the landscape of the modern town.
What to See & Do
- The Tower Itself – Walk around the cylindrical sandstone shaft and note the square‑headed doorway, the small lintelled windows on each lower storey, and the lone east window that survived the loss of the original four cardinal‑point bell‑storey windows. The tower’s height, now 22.9 m measured from the base offset, still conveys the engineering skill of early Irish builders.
- St Tighernach’s Shrine – A stone‑carved shrine, shaped like a small house, stands nearby. Its gable bears a figure of the saint with outstretched arms, offering a tangible link to the founder of the settlement.
- The High Cross – Situated on the Diamond in Crossmoyle, the cross is composed of a head and shaft from two different 9th‑century crosses. Its panels depict biblical scenes such as Daniel in the lions’ den, the sacrifice of Isaac, and the multiplication of loaves and fishes, providing a visual narrative for a largely illiterate medieval audience.
- Graveyard Headstones – The surrounding churchyard contains well‑preserved 17th‑ and 18th‑century gravestones, many carved with skulls, hourglasses and coats of arms, offering a poignant glimpse into the town’s social history.
- Self‑Guided Heritage Walk – The town provides QR‑coded maps that guide visitors through 18 historic sites, including the round tower, the high cross, the “Wee Abbey” and other monastic relics. This allows you to explore at your own pace while listening to local historian commentary.
Practical Information
Clones Round Tower is a National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). It is free to enter and open all day, as there is no ticket office or staffed reception. The site is unguided, so visitors should exercise a reasonable level of care, especially on the uneven stone ground around the tower and graveyard.
| Visitor info | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
| Opening | Open all day, year‑round |
| Guidance | Unguided – self‑guided maps available |
| Accessibility | No specific facilities noted; uneven ground may be challenging |
| Contact | Managed by OPW – no direct phone listed |
The tower is easily reached on foot from the centre of Clones, with parking available in the town’s public car parks and on‑street spaces. For those wishing to learn more, the Heritage Ireland page provides a Historic Environment Viewer link with detailed archaeological data.
Safety note: The OPW disclaims liability for any injury or loss that may occur on the site. Visitors are encouraged to stay on the designated pathways and watch for the occasional loose stone, especially near the base offset.
Getting there: Clones lies close to the border with Northern Ireland and is well‑served by regional bus routes. The town is a short drive from the Ulster Canal Greenway, making it a convenient stop for cyclists and walkers exploring the wider Monaghan countryside.
Nearby amenities: After exploring the tower, you can visit the Ulster Canal Stores for a coffee break, or head to one of Clones’ traditional pubs such as the Rusty Nail for a post‑visit pint.
Clones Round Tower offers a rare glimpse into early Irish monastic architecture, standing proudly amid a town that still celebrates its ancient roots.