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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.

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Kilree Round Tower

“South of Kilkenny City and close to the town of Kells, stands Kilree High Cross and Round Tower which is believed to age from the 9th century. A badly weathered sandstone cross standing at 2.75 metres high, most of which is covered with bosses and geometrical motifs. The East face bears a hunting scene on the arms. The ends of the South arm have some figure sculpture but these are difficult to interpret. On the West face is probably an Adoration of the Magi and maybe Daniel in the Lions den. There is a tenon joint still visible so more than likely the cross was fitted with a capstone.

This old monastic site is in the middle of a cow field with the cross standing at the far end of the Field. The most dominant feature of this site is the round tower.

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Aghaviller Monastic Site

“Aghaviller – from Áth an Biolair (Ford of the Water-cress)

Three monuments, a Round Tower, a church and a holy well, mark the site of this ancient monastic foundation. Only the lower part of the Round Tower – the monastery’s bell tower – survives. The original, round-arched doorway, is placed high above ground level to make the structure more stable. A lintelled doorway has been broken into the bottom of the tower in more recent times. The tower has a square base, an unusual feature, which is only paralleled at nearby Kilree.

The rectangular church dates from at least the 12th century, but it was modified in the 13th century, and in the late 15th century a massive tower was erected over its chancel (the section of the church where the altar was sighted).

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