This update is part of our Kilkenny Sights & Attractions feature.
Tullaherin Monastic Site
“Located about 15 kilometres south of Kilkenny near Bennetsbridge is Tullaherin Church and Round Tower.
This is a 9th Century well preserved six storey round tower, the top storey originally had eight windows. Tullaherin is the site of continuous religious worship for well over a thousand years.
It is claimed by many as the burial site of Saint Kieran and the fine round tower is visible from many miles away.
Features to note are: the regular layers of finely chiseled blocks of stone, the elevated entrance door, the small square-headed windows lighting each storey and the top storey (now partly eroded) which originally had eight windows – a feature Tullaherin Round Tower shares with that of Clonmacnoise. The whole tower leans slightly to the South.
The adjoining church dates from the 11-13th century with additions to the East from the 16th century. There are two ogham stones near the tower: a fragment discovered in 1852 and an almost complete example discovered in 1983. Tullaherin Folk Museum is housed in the nearby old parochial residence. Established by Duchas – Tullaherin Heritage Society – in 1981, it contains many interesting household and farm items which were in everyday use in the locality in days gone by.” - [excerpt from lookaroundireland.com: Link]
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