Rattoo Round Tower

Rattoo Round Tower is one of the finest examples of round towers in Ireland. Dating from the 10th century, the tower stands at 90 feet tall, consisting of a basement and 5 floors. Just 2 miles outside the village of Ballyduff, the tower stands on the grounds of an ancient monastery founded by Bishop Lughach in the 6th century. Today, the tower is protected by a high wall which also encloses a ruined church dating from the 15th century, and a graveyard. Rattoo Round Tower is nestled among acres of farmland, and the peace that enshrouds the tower in the early evenings is something every visitor to Kerry should experience for themselves. When completing some recent restoration works, the OPW found a Sheela-na-gig carving inside the north window. These ancient carvings can be found in Ireland and Europe, and there is much dispute as to their meaning, with many speculating that they could have been displayed to keep evil spirits away or as potent fertility symbols. A plaster cast of the carving is now on display in the National Museum in Dublin.