• Our Ring Around Ireland
    The Round Tower @ St Canice's Cathedral — Kilkenny, Ireland.
    Negotiating narrow, steep stairs to get to the top of the Round Tower — Kilkenny, Ireland.Expansive view from the top of the Round Tower — Kilkenny, Ireland.St Canice's nave (R) and the cemetery from the top of the Round Tower — Kilkenny, Ireland.Peek-a-boo view through the railing ... St Mary's Cathedral & Black Abbey on the left — Round Tower.St Mary's Cathedral from the top of the Round Tower — Kilkenny, Ireland.Cityscape & ruins of the Abbey of St Francis from the Round Tower — Kilkenny, Ireland.Heading back down from the top of the Round Tower ... tight quarters — Kilkenny, Ireland.

    Climbing the Round Tower

    June 20, 2019 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    The nearly 100-foot high Round Tower at St Canice’s is only one of two in Ireland that can still be climbed. So, of course, we climbed it!

    Built in 1111, the tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny. A bell tower — and a status symbol — when it was originally built, it was also used as a lookout tower and as a place to store valuables during sieges.

    We climbed the narrow circular tower, ascending a steep, ladder-like staircase. Along the way, a recording kept checking on us, asking if the climb was going OK. It explained that due to the shallow foundation — just 2-feet deep, the tower leans some 2 feet off-plumb!! The disembodied voice was quick to assure us, however, that the tower ‘should’ remain standing until we reach the top!!! Good to know. But what happens after we reach the top? 🤣

    While the narrow quarters and the steep stairs made us work for our reward, it was well worth expending the effort to see the expansive views from the top.    Read more