Ireland’s round towers are one of the most distinctive features of our historic landscapes. But what do we know of these iconic structures, when do they date to, and who built them? In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil is joined by archaeologist Christiaan Corlett to dig into the story.

Ireland’s round towers are some of our most instantly recognisable reminders of our past. If you’ve ever visited the likes of the Rock of Cashel, Glendalough, Clonmacnoise – or even driven down the M8 motorway – you may have marvelled at these soaring structures.

 But when were they built and why? Who commissioned them and how were they constructed? A fantastic new publication provides an insight into these iconic monuments. It’s by archaeologist Christiaan Corlett of the National Monuments Service, who joins Neil to discuss the potential origins, dating, and purpose of our round towers.

Amplify Archaeology Podcast is sponsored by Tuatha, this is our online membership with a growing community of like-minded people who love exploring Ireland’s sites, landscapes and heritage. You can find out more and start your own Irish archaeological adventure at tuatha.ie.

Round Towers – Key Discussion Points and Show Notes

• Introduction to round towers – 1 min 40 secs
• How did people understand round towers across time? – 3 min 20 secs
• Do we know which was the first built in Ireland? – 6 min 50 secs
• Are they regional, are there any significant concentrations? – 11 min 20 secs
• What were the reasons for building them? – 12 min 15 secs
• Patronage, power and influence – 13 min 24 secs
• How many do we have still standing, and how many have been lost? – 19 min 04 secs
• The scarily shallow foundations of round towers! – 21 min 30 secs
• Construction techniques – 24 min 20 secs
• The high doorways – 27 mins 14 secs
• More on the purpose of round towers– 27 mins 55 secs
• The stone masons who constructed round towers – 32 mins 07 secs
• Were round towers rendered? – 38 mins 30 secs
• Decorated doorways and features – 40 mins 51 secs
• Does Chris have a particular favourite? – 46 mins 30 secs
• The restoration of round towers – 48 mins 40 secs
• Recommendations of towers to visit– 51 mins 38 secs

Show notes and links to further information

• I highly recommend picking up a copy of Chris’ book. Not only will it give you a good sense of these monuments, but it is beautifully illustrated with fantastic photographs throughout. You can pick up a copy online from the publisher here.
• And you can find more books, images and other fantastic content from Chris on the Coles Lane Website.
• I hope you enjoyed the show, please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
• If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out, opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here. And remember to use your coupon code AMPLIFY20 for 20% off.