The Irish round towers are termed by the Irish Times as "Ireland's only contribution to world architecture." They are one of the unsung archeological attractions of Ireland. The Irish round towers (called Cloigheach in Irish) are early medieval stone towers. They are believed to have been bell towers and originally part of churches (although, in some cases, the churches have disappeared, leaving just the free-standing round tower remaining).

While the medieval history of Ireland is often overshadowed by its bigger neighbor, England, as well as Scotland, Ireland does boast a long and storied history. Ireland even has the most popular room listed on Airbnb - the 600-year-old Cahercastle (it is a real medieval castle).

Purpose Of The Irish Round Towers

There are thought to have been around 100-120 of these round towers built in Ireland. They were built between 900 AD and 1200 AD. They are some of the oldest Irish architecture remaining. While (like the Leaning Tower of Pisa), they were originally bell towers; some likely did find different uses later on.

The round towers were normally built within the vicinity of a church (or monastery). Having learned this, researchers have been able to discover some lost churches using the round towers.

Before the Normans (early English) arrived in Ireland in 1169 to 1171 AD, it seems that the round towers were the only significant stone buildings in Ireland. Perhaps they were bell towers acting as high-statue symbols for royal chapels. For well-traveled travelers, they may bring to mind the iconic towers of the Caucasus of Georgia and southern Russia, where the grizzly City of the Dead is found.

They would not have been well suited to defense - in the event of an attack, they would more likely have become death traps.

Learn more about the history and purpose of the Irish Round Towers at the Library of Ireland.

Related: History Of The Tower Of London, Where You Can See The Crown Jewels

The Irish Round Towers Surviving Today

The surviving round towers today range in height from around 60 feet or 18 meters to around 130 feet or 40 meters. Of the approximately 120 or so round towers thought to have been built, most of them are now in ruins. But of that number, 18 to 20 of them are almost perfect (along with the one in the Isle of Man and the two in Scotland).

• Height: Between 60 feet or 18 meters to 130 feet or 40 meters

Despite their shallow foundations, many of the round towers have managed to survive to the present day, thanks to their round shape. The round shape has the advantage of being gale resistant (additionally, the part of the tower underneath the entrance is filled with stones and soil).

Notable Round Towers of Ireland:

• Tower At Kinnneigh: Noted For A Unique Hexagonal Base
• Clondalkin: The Only Irish Round Tower To Still Have its Original Cap
• Kilmacduagh in Galway: The Tallest Of The Remaining Round Towers And The Door Is 8 Meters From The Round. It Also Leans 1 Meter From The Vertical
• Lusk, Dublin: Full Height Without Cap, It Is Now Attached to a Church That Was Built Later On
• Kilkenny Tower: Is A Climbable Round Tower
• Devenish: Complete And Climbable Round Tower

Famous round towers in Ireland include ones found at Devenish Island, Glendalough, and Clondalkin. The one at Ardmore, Count Waterford, is thought to be the youngest tower built sometime in the 12th century. In all, there are round towers surviving in all but four of Ireland's 32 counties. In Offaly, Leinster, one can find two towers within sight of each other - O'Rourke's Tower and McCarthy's Tower.

• Number Built: 100-120 Towers
• Number Surviving: 65 (Inc. Ruins) Towers
• Number in Good Condition: 18-20 Towers

They had single doorways (normally set high above the ground) and would tower some five to seven stories high.

Related: This Uninhabited Scottish Isle Is A Day Trip To The Iron Age

Irish-Style Round Towers Found Outside Of Ireland

Almost all the round towers are found in Ireland, although there is one on the charming Isle of Man in the Irish Sea between Ireland and England and two in Scotland. Another even older form of stone tower found in Scotland is the Iron-age Brochs - a sort of ancient skyscraper.

Round Towers Outside Of Ireland:

• Abernethy Round Tower: In Scotland (Visitors Can Climb Up It)
• Brechin Round Tower: In Scotland (Accessed from the Church)
• Peel Castle: Isle of Man on St. Patrick's Isle

Travel to Milford in Massachusetts, and one will find a round tower built in the late 19th century to serve as a memorial to the Irish immigrants of the area. It stands in Saint Mary's Cemetery. There are other replicas, too, one is found in Castleton Lyons Stud in Kentucky, and another is built in Victoria, Australia, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.