Seir Kieran Round Tower, Offaly

Seir Kieran

Round Tower

The monastic site at Seir Kieran probably dates to the late 5th century and is traditionally believed to be founded by St Ciarán the Elder. The site was the burial place for the Kings of Ossory. Although the site has a rich history what remains today is a sad collection of ruins. The round tower is situated up against the northwest corner of the graveyard wall. It stands almost 3 metres high, with a modern opening to the south. At the base of this entrance ia a huge bullaun stone. Also located in the graveyard is the base of a 10th century high cross, pictured below.


	Seir Kieran Round Tower The monastic site at Seir Kieran probably dates to the late 5th century and is traditionally believed to be founded by St Ciarán the Elder. The site was the burial place for the Kings of Ossory. Although the site has a rich history what remains today is a sad collection of ruins. The round tower is situated up against the northwest corner of the graveyard wall. It stands almost 3 metres high, with a modern opening to the south. At the base of this entrance ia a huge bullaun stone. Also located in the graveyard is the base of a 10th century high cross, pictured below.
Situated: From Birr head southeast on the R440. After 8.5 kilometres turn right at Clareen crossroads. The ecclesiastic site is about 40 metres down here on your left. Discovery Map 54: N 1383 0226. Last visit Aug 2005. Longitude: 7° 47' 37" W Latitude: 53° 4' 15" N Google Map Photos: Jim Dempsey.
Approx date: Earlier than 12th century. Dimensions: Height 2.9 m. Diameter: 5.14 m. Door: None.	Windows: None. Features: A bullaun in the wall below current entrance. Cap: None.