View MapView Map
HomeDestinationsCorkEnniskeenKinneigh Round Tower
Kinneigh Round Tower
Enniskeen, Co. Cork
Hidden gem
Family friendly
Free to visit
Free car parking
Cloudy days
The round tower found near Castletown-Kinneigh, County Cork, is one of about 60 such towers surviving in Ireland. It’s believed to have been built between 900AD and 1050AD, though an upper section was added in the mid 19th century.

The original 16 acre monastic establishment at Kinneigh in County Cork, was built in 619AD and destroyed by the Danes in 916AD when they settled along the Bandon river. Sometime later, the remaining community moved to a site approximately half a mile further east in the townland of Sleenogue, and established a new monastery with a round tower.

Experts believe that Kinneigh Round Tower is likely to have been built around 1000AD. Its hexagonal base makes it unique and it presently stands at a height of 72 feet. A lightning strike, probably in the late 18th century or early 19th century, caused damage to the top of the tower. A bell was installed in the mid 1890s, and more recently a major renovation was completed by the OPW, restoring the stonework & placing a protective copper cap on top of the tower.

Coppeen Archaeological Historical & Cultural Society have mapped, surveyed and documented details of all the graves in Kinneigh.

Contact details
Sleenoge, Co. Cork, Ireland
Mail Icon SVG

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.