Tory Island / Toraigh

Round Tower

An Cloigtheach, or bell tower, is the largest surviving monument of the early medieval Tory island monastery, it can be clearly seen, peering over the tops of houses in West Town, as you approach the island. According to the National Monuments website the Tory Island round tower is 15.7 metres in circumference and stands 12.8 metres high. This is quite short compared to other round towers, hence the reason why it's described as a half tower. For comparison Ireland's tallest tower, located at Kilmacduagh in Galway, stands over 34 metres in height. The monument was possibly constructed in the 12th century and the materials used reflect it's island location, water-rolled granite beach stones were mortared with shell lime, that was produced from various crushed seashells.

There is a large breach in the west side of the tower, but on the east side you can still see the partial remains of the conical cap at the top of the drum. A window, facing east, is also visible just below the cornice, and part of another window faces north, suggesting there may have been four windows at the top of the drum, facing the four cardinal points. There is another window in the drum located above the arched doorway, which is positioned 2.64 metres above ground level and faces ESE, see image below left. Many of the putlog holes, used to construct the tower, are still visible in the drum.