Swords

Round Tower

The round tower is the only remnant of a monastery founded by St Columba/St Colmcille in 512. It is believed that St Columba appointed St Finian Lobair, or the leper, as its abbot, and gave him a missal, or copy of the gospels, that he had written. During its early history the monastery possessed considerable wealth, and as a result the town of Swords rose into importance. Over the centuries the monastic settlement was severely damaged by both native Irish and Vikings raiders. The bodies of King Brian Boru, and his son Murrough, were brought here after the battle of Clontarf. The following day they were carried to the abbey of Duleek, and placed in the care of the monks of St. Cianan, on their journey to Armagh. The 9th century round tower is 26m high (to the top of the cap), nearly 16m in circumference, and the walls are 1.2 m thick. It contained four floors. Its present entrance, which is almost level with the ground, is believed to have been constructed in the 17th or 18th century along with the conical cap and possibly the now-deformed upper storey: the original doorway is 6 m from the ground, and only 1.2m high. In the upper storey are four large windows facing the four cardinal points of the compass. Although I enjoyed visiting the round tower I found it very difficult to photograph. I will call back soon, early morning might be the best time to visit.