Rattoo Round Tower: A Window to Medieval Ireland

4.7 (6)

Explore County Kerry's iconic Rattoo Round Tower, a remarkably preserved window into Ireland's ancient monastic past and unique architectural heritage.

Home
Ireland
County Kerry
Rattoo Round Tower

Rattoo Round Tower, near Ballyduff in County Kerry, is the only complete surviving round tower in the county. Dating back to around 1100 AD, this well-preserved structure stands on the site of an early medieval ecclesiastical complex, offering a glimpse into Ireland's rich monastic past.

A brief summary to Rattoo Round Tower

Rattoo, Co. Kerry, IE

Local tips

Note that internal access to the tower is not permitted, so plan to explore the exterior and surrounding ecclesiastical site.
The tower is located off a small, narrow road; watch for signposts from the R551 to avoid missing the turn.
Parking is limited, especially during peak season.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

North Kerry Museum

North Kerry Museum: A Window to the Past

Man-made pool

Discover the Serenity of the Man-Made Pool in Clahane Cross

Cashen Beach

Cashen Beach: A Kerry Coastal Escape

Getting There

Driving

From the village of Ballyduff, head south on the R551 for approximately 1.1 kilometers. Turn left at the sign for Rattoo Round Tower and continue to the end of the road. Note that the road is narrow with limited parking. There are no fees for visiting the site.
Walking

From Ballyduff, it is approximately a 2.4km walk to Rattoo Round Tower. Follow the R551 south and turn left at the sign for the tower. Be aware that you will be walking on a narrow country road.

Discover more about Rattoo Round Tower

Rattoo Round Tower is a striking example of Ireland's monastic heritage, located near the village of Ballyduff in County Kerry. Standing at approximately 29 meters (90 feet) tall, it is the only complete round tower remaining in Kerry. The tower dates back to around 1100 AD and is associated with an early monastery founded by Bishop Lughach, one of the first Christian evangelists in the region, in the 6th century. The tower is constructed from hard quartzose sandstone, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. Its features include a round-headed doorway about 2.8 meters above ground level, which originally would have been accessed by a ladder. The doorway has unique molding with two curved spirals on its top arch. Above the door is a small pointed window, with four more windows at the top of the tower facing each cardinal direction. Notably, a Sheela-na-gig carving, a pagan fertility symbol, was discovered on the inner frame of the north window during restoration work. It is the only Sheela-na-gig associated with a round tower. The surrounding ecclesiastical complex includes a graveyard with tombs and headstones, and the ruins of a 15th-century church built with stones from an even earlier house of worship. The site provides a tangible link to Ireland's early Christian past and the tower stands as a testament to the skills and beliefs of its builders. While internal access to the tower is not permitted, visitors can explore the exterior and the surrounding grounds.