Killala Round Tower

Ballina, Mayo 
 

The Killala Round Tower sits in the heart of Killala Town along the Wild Atlantic Way on the North Mayo coastline.

Killala has strong ecclesiastical connections dating from the 5^th century when St. Patrick is said to have appointed Muiredach as the first bishop of Killala. The tower stands an impressive 25 meters tall on a 1 metre plinth of 20 large rocks underneath it. The tower itself is composed mainly of limestone with little decoration except some sandstone bricks over the entrance to the tower. The tower is still intact although halfway up the tower there is a noticeable bulge where it is believed to have been damaged by lightning in the 1700’s. The doorway sits 35 metres above ground level for the monks protection and there are the traditional four look out windows at roof level.

The Killala Round Tower is only a short 15 minute drive from the Ballina Manor Hotel and being one of the best preserved round towers in Ireland it is well worth a visit!