Unofficial guide. Not the National Monuments Service, the OPW, Fáilte Ireland or the landowner. Disclaimer
At a glance
- TypeRound tower
- StatusNational Monument
Picked out from the Archaeological Survey description below.
Can you visit?
- No source says it is open to the public.Most monuments in Ireland stand on private farmland.
- Ask the landowner before crossing fields, close gates, leave the stones as you find them.Visiting responsibly
History and description
A round tower with a square base (Anon. 1910-11, 3-4; Barrow 1979, 196) is attached to the W wall of the nave of St. Mary's Abbey (WX015-003004-). It is entererd from the nave and a newel stairs rises to a doorway overhead, probably leading to a gallery.
Full archaeological record 88 words
A round tower with a square base (Anon. 1910-11, 3-4; Barrow 1979, 196) is attached to the W wall of the nave of St. Mary's Abbey (WX015-003004-). It is entererd from the nave and a newel stairs rises to a doorway overhead, probably leading to a gallery. From the roof level the tower is round and divided into two levels, the upper with four square lights (Anon. 1864-8, 132). It is a National monument. (Ffrench 1895, 403; Leask 1955, vol. 1, 163–4; Harbison 1975, 247; O'Keeffe 1997, 57-60)
References
- O’Keeffe, T. (1997) Diarmait Mac Murchada and Romanesque Leinster. JRSAI, vol. 127, 52-79.
Archaeological Survey of Ireland, National Monuments Service (CC BY 4.0) · Compiled by Michael Moore · Updated ; 30 April, 2012. It describes the site as it was when surveyed.
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Around Ferns Round Tower
Other heritage nearby
- Ferns AbbeyAbbey or friary · 0.0 km
- Ferns CathedralAncient church · 0.1 km
- St Mogue's WellHoly well · 0.2 km
- St. Peter's Church, FernsAncient church · 0.3 km
- Ferns CastleCastle · 0.5 km
- Lady's WellHoly well · 1.9 km
Recorded within 5 km
- 23 ringfortsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 5 high crossesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 4 ancient churchesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 3 holy wellsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 2 monastic sitesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 2 castlesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 1 abbey or friaryArchaeological Survey of Ireland
Walks and trails
- Nine Stones Cycle RouteRoad Cycling Trail · nearest point 1.5 km
- Slieveboy LoopWalking Trail · 10.9 km · nearest point 6.5 km
- Ballybeg loopWalking Trail · 7.8 km · nearest point 6.5 km
Outdoors, towns and places to stay
- Courtown, North BeachBeaches · 19 km · Excellent Quality (2025)
- MorriscastleBeaches · 19 km · Excellent Quality (2025)
- FernsWalled towns · 0.1 km
Other attractions nearby
- Medieval Ferns ExperienceMuseums and Attraction · 0.5 km
- Ferns CastleHistoric Houses and Castle · 0.5 km
- Father Murphy CentreMuseums and Attraction · 7.1 km
- Ballymore Historic FeaturesMuseums and Attraction · 8.0 km
What's on nearby
- Gorey Whiskey Festival 20262026-11-06 · 16 km
- Gorey Whiskey Festival 20262026-11-07 · 16 km
- Winter Fair and Santa Paws2026-11-15 · 12 km · free