Antrim Round Tower: Ireland’s Majestic Medieval Sentinel
Explore Antrim’s 28-metre medieval round tower, a resilient symbol of Ireland’s monastic heritage and Viking-era defense.
The Antrim Round Tower, locally known as The Steeple, is a striking 28-metre tall medieval bell tower dating from the 10th century. Once part of an Early Christian monastery, it served as a refuge and lookout against Viking raids. Set in tranquil parkland in Antrim, Northern Ireland, this well-preserved monument showcases ancient craftsmanship with its basalt stone walls and elevated doorway, offering a tangible link to Ireland’s monastic past.
A brief summary to Antrim Round Tower (State Care Monument)
- 14 Steeple Rd, Antrim, BT41 1BL, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the tower's architectural details and surrounding parkland.
- Bring a camera to capture the tower’s striking basalt walls and the carved Celtic cross above the entrance.
- Check local information boards on site for historical context and insights into the tower’s monastic past.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the site is set in open parkland with grassy terrain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Ulsterbus service from Belfast to Antrim town center, which takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. From the town center, the tower is a 15-minute walk. Bus tickets cost around £5–£8 one way. Services run regularly but check schedules for weekend variations.
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Car
Driving from Belfast to Antrim Round Tower takes about 30 minutes via the M2 motorway. Parking is available near Steeple Road but can be limited during peak times. There is no parking fee. The route is straightforward and suitable for all vehicle types.
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Train
Northern Ireland Railways operates trains from Belfast Lanyon Place to Antrim station, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. From Antrim station, the tower is a 20-minute walk. Train tickets cost approximately £4–£7 one way. Services run hourly on weekdays.
Antrim Round Tower (State Care Monument) location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Antrim Round Tower (State Care Monument)
A Testament to Early Christian Architecture
The Antrim Round Tower stands as one of the finest examples of Ireland’s iconic round towers, reaching 28 metres in height. Constructed primarily from large blocks of local basalt, its walls are over three feet thick, designed to withstand the harsh weather and hostile attacks of its era. The tower’s elevated entrance, about 12 feet above ground, was a defensive feature accessed originally by a rope ladder pulled up during raids. Inside, four wooden floors were lit by narrow windows facing the cardinal points, providing shelter and security for monks and their precious manuscripts.Historical Significance and Monastic Origins
Dating from around the 10th century, the tower was integral to an Early Christian monastery in Antrim, serving both as a bell tower and a refuge against Viking incursions. Historical records note the monastery was burned in 1147, yet the tower itself remained remarkably intact. Some scholars suggest an even earlier origin linked to the celebrated architect Goban Saer in the 7th century, highlighting the tower’s deep roots in Ireland’s ecclesiastical history. The tower’s presence marks the site of a once-thriving religious community and stands as a symbol of resilience amid turbulent times.Architectural Features and Preservation
The tower tapers from a circumference of 50 feet at its base to 36 feet at the top, crowned by a conical roof rebuilt in 1822 after the original was destroyed by lightning. Granite lintels frame the north-facing doorway and windows, and a carved Celtic cross adorns the stone above the entrance, emphasizing its spiritual significance. The interior walls bear holes for joists that supported wooden floors, possibly accessed by ladders or a spiral staircase, reflecting advanced medieval building techniques. Today, the tower is preserved as a State Care Monument within peaceful parkland managed by the local council.The Tower’s Role in Community and Culture
Beyond its historical and architectural importance, the Antrim Round Tower has become a cultural emblem for the town and region. It symbolizes local heritage and unity, especially as the community celebrates it annually with events like St. Patrick’s Day illuminations. Efforts to conserve and integrate the tower into a larger 17-acre park demonstrate ongoing commitment to sharing this heritage with residents and visitors alike, fostering appreciation for Ireland’s medieval past.Visitor Experience and Surroundings
The tower is freely accessible year-round, situated in a serene park setting that invites reflection and exploration. Visitors can admire the tower’s impressive silhouette against the Northern Irish sky and learn about its history through nearby information boards. While the interior is currently closed, the site offers a tangible connection to the monastic life and defensive strategies of early medieval Ireland, making it a compelling stop for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers.Legacy of Craftsmanship and Endurance
The Antrim Round Tower’s survival for over a millennium is a tribute to the skill of its builders and the enduring legacy of Ireland’s round towers. Its sturdy basalt construction and thoughtful design have preserved it as a rare architectural treasure. Standing as a sentinel over Antrim, it invites contemplation of the past and offers insight into the spiritual and social fabric of early Irish Christian communities.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Top Of The Town
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Asian Mix
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Antrim Motte
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Antrim Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden
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Site of Antrim Castle
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Antrim Castle
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Deerpark Bridge
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Hallmark Cards Ltd
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Viewing platform
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Essential places to dine
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Nando's Antrim The Junction
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Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar
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The Boathouse Antrim
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Dunsilly Hotel
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McLarnons Ramble Inn
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Mill Race Restaurant
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Ellie Mays
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Banana Bookshop
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Poundstretcher
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New Look
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Hope and a Future
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Cardfactory
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Castle Mall
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Simpsons Newsagents
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Wallace's
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The Vintage Wine Merchants
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
