Plinth looking north.

Faughart

Round Tower

This is said to be the site of a monastery founded by St Moninna in the 5th century. Nothing remains from the early monastery except possibly the holy well dedicated to St Brigid, but there are the ruins of a medieval nave and chancel Church. To the northwest of the church is a low circular mound lined with large stones. This mound is believed to be the site of a round tower. The size of the kerb stones and the way they have been shaped to the curve, see image below, point to this being the foundation stones or plinth of a round tower. In the centre of the mound inside the round tower plinth is the base of a high cross.

Another interesting antiquity at Faughart is the grave of Edward Bruce, brother of Robert Bruce, who was proclaimed High King of Ireland before he was killed in the battle of Faughart in 1318. See image below.

Situated:Take the M1 north. After Dundalk take exit 18 for Faughart. At the roundabout take the second exit. After the sharp bend take the first right and the next left. The car-park is up this hill on you right.

Discovery Map 36: J 0578 1260. Last visit July 2013.

Longitude: 6° 23' 4" W

Latitude: 54° 3' 6" N

Google Map

Photos: Jim Dempsey.