The Rattoo Round Tower,(Cloigteach Ràth Tuaidh in Irish Gaelic), is a round tower belonging to the ruined monastery of Ballyduff. Located in County Kerry, between Ballybunnion and Tralee, the tower is in remarkable condition, and possesses a most authentic charm!
The Rattoo Round Tower is believed to have been built around 1100, several centuries after the monastery was founded.
Ballyduff monastery is said to have been founded in the early days of Irish Christianity, by Bishop Lughach, one of the first Christians to evangelize County Kerry (around the 5th century).
The monastery gradually expanded over the years, and in the 11th century the Rattoo tower was added, as well as a cemetery and a church in the 15th century.
Today, only the tower has been perfectly preserved: the other monuments are now in ruins, and only the conical roof of the tower has been restored…
The site stands next to a dry-stone wall, a pretty cemetery and a ruined 15th-century church. You can admire the impeccable architecture, with its Irish stonework integrated with period mortar, its small window openings at the top, and its perfectly restored conical roof…
You can also admire the lovely carved crosses in the cemetery near the tower.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
in County Kerry, Rattoo (County Kerry) - Republic of Ireland
52.439412, -9.648255
30 minutes
