Ireland’s finest barbican tower

St Laurence’s Gate was built in 1280 just outside the original walls of Drogheda. It is described as a ‘barbican’ and is regarded as the finest example in the country. It consists of two lofty circular towers, connected together by a wall and an archway. It is only when you climb to the top with its perfect 360-degree views that you understand why it was built at this strategic location. By the 14th century, Drogheda was one of Ireland’s largest fortified towns comprising of 113 acres and 10 gates. These defenses held out to Edward Bruce’s army in 1317 and then again to Sir Phelim O’Neill in 1647. Cromwell, however, breached the walls in 1649 and sacked the town, killing 2000 Royalist sympathizers. He also deported hundreds of captives as slaves to Barbados. The barbican was renamed ‘St Laurence’s Gate’ around 1500 due to its location near St Laurence’s Hospital.