Rattoo Round Tower: A Window to Medieval Ireland
Explore County Kerry's iconic Rattoo Round Tower, a remarkably preserved window into Ireland's ancient monastic past and unique architectural heritage.
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.
Getting There
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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.
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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
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