This isolated monastery, built in the 11th or 12th century on the borders of County Clare and
County Galway, was founded by St. Colman MacDuagh in the 7th century. There is a fine example
of a round tower, a characteristic Irish bell tower used as a place of refuge and to store
vaulable manuscripts. The entrance is 7 metres above ground, and reached by a ladder which
was hauled up from the inside. Other moveable ladders connected the tower’s wooden floors.