Once the tallest round tower in Ireland

Monasterboice Round Tower dates to the 10th century and currently stands 92 feet high. It may however have stood 108 feet high making it the tallest in the country. Its original roof is now missing giving it a jagged silhouette set against the skyline. Round towers were built to be landmarks, bell towers, and places of refuge during the Viking era. The doorway on this tower is placed 13 feet above the ground so entry was only possible by a ladder that could be drawn up in times of danger. This strategy did not always work as in 1097 the monastery was attacked, pillaged, and burned.  In 1142, the first Cistercian Abbey in Ireland was built nearby in Mellifont and slowly Monasterboice was abandoned. This must have been a very important site as 3 of the finest High Crosses in the world can be found here.