Roscam Round Tower, Galway


From the north	Roscam Round Tower This four storey round tower is situated inside a large ecclesiastical enclosure on the shore of Oranmore Bay. This site has associations with St Patrick and St Odran. The D-shaped enclosure is 200 metres N-S and 190 metres E-W. The tower stands in the northern section. It is 10.98 metres high with a plain square headed doorway facing the southeast situated 1.85 metres above the present ground level. An interesting feature of this tower is the presence of putlog holes in the external masonry. These were normally used for temporary scaffolding during construction. Because the putlog holes are still visible it may suggest that the tower was unfinished. We do know that the monastery was attacked by norse vikings in 807, but little else is known about the history of this beautifully located site.
Situated: From Galway take the R338 east. After 2.8 kilometres turn right. After 1 k turn right and go to the end. The site is about 400 metres along the rocky beach. Ask at the farm on your left. Discovery Map 46: M 3428 2425. Last visit April 2012. Longitude: 8° 59' 6" W Latitude: 53° 15' 53" N Google Map Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson.
Approx date: 10/11th Century. Dimensions: Height 10.98 m. Diameter: 4.8 m approx Door: Above ground 1.85m. Type: Lintelled.	Windows: One. Rectangular. Features: Still retains put-lock holes. Cap: None.

From the north

Roscam

Round Tower

This four storey round tower is situated inside a large ecclesiastical enclosure on the shore of Oranmore Bay. This site has associations with St Patrick and St Odran. The D-shaped enclosure is 200 metres N-S and 190 metres E-W. The tower stands in the northern section. It is 10.98 metres high with a plain square headed doorway facing the southeast situated 1.85 metres above the present ground level.

An interesting feature of this tower is the presence of putlog holes in the external masonry. These were normally used for temporary scaffolding during construction. Because the putlog holes are still visible it may suggest that the tower was unfinished. We do know that the monastery was attacked by norse vikings in 807, but little else is known about the history of this beautifully located site.

Situated: From Galway take the R338 east. After 2.8 kilometres turn right. After 1 k turn right and go to the end. The site is about 400 metres along the rocky beach. Ask at the farm on your left.

Discovery Map 46: M 3428 2425. Last visit April 2012.

Longitude: 8° 59' 6" W

Latitude: 53° 15' 53" N

Google Map

Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson.

Approx date: 10/11th Century.

Dimensions: Height 10.98 m. Diameter: 4.8 m approx

Door: Above ground 1.85m. Type: Lintelled.

Windows: One. Rectangular.

Features: Still retains put-lock holes.

Cap: None.

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