Clones Round Tower and Sarcophagus

This majestic round tower is situated in a graveyard that represents the core of the original church site founded by St Tighearnach. There is no longer any trace of an early church in the graveyard. The door of the tower faces east, probably in the direction of where a contemporary church formerly stood. The tower stands 23m high and is almost complete, except for its roof. Also in the graveyard is a fine example of a stone shrine or sarcophagus carved into the shape of an early Irish church. At one end are the faint remains of a figure wearing a mitre, probably intended to represent St Tighearnach himself. The sarcophagus was probably carved in the 12th century and intended to mark the grave of St Tighearnach, and was probably a stone copy of a metal shrine. Please note that many of these monuments may be on private land and may not be publicly accessible. When setting out to visit monuments please ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Access to monuments without Visitor Services may be across uneven ground which may not be suitable for everyone and, in particular, wheelchair users.