Round Tower in Antrim Town - County Antrim Northern Ireland

Antrim town has a nearly complete medieval stone round tower that is easy to go and visit. Sadly there is no way into it - but you can walk all around and check it out.

Stepping into the history of Northern Ireland and getting to know more about the country happens through visiting all the different historical places that will reveal part of this history. Castles, towers, museum, and all the old buildings scattered all around the country are always worth the visit for the experience they will provide for visiting the place and the information they will pass over.

The Round Tower in Antrim is one of those old buildings which help in offering some historical information related to Northern Ireland and even though visitors are not allowed to get inside in order to check how it actually looks and feels like from the inside, they could always get the chance to walk around the whole building and see the history from outside.

Antrim Round Tower and Witch's Stone are known to be reminders of Antrim's ancient monastic settlement. This tower which was built back in the 10th century and the main reason behind its appearance was to serve as a bell-tower for protection from raiders and is locally known as The Steeple. This tower is 28 meters long and is considered one of its kind in all of Ireland - enough to explain why it is a special one to be visited by us.

Since visiting the place will not require an entrance to the tower itself from the inside but will be all about visiting the place from the outside and checking the whole thing just from out there, people are allowed to visit it all year long and they aren't asked for any fees as well; it is free for entrance.

According to the historic description of this Antrim Round Tower, it was mentioned that in the entrance of the tower, there was a device in open stonework that resembles a Maltese cross - this actually helped in strengthening the idea that these towers have been erected in the Christian period.

In addition to serving as a bell tower and at the same time being used to prevent invaders and keep them away, this tower was also considered a good option for keeping the important things in a safe place during the times of trouble - giving different other beneficial uses for the tower and different reasons why it was built in the first place.

During our visit to Antrim Round Tower, we were so excited while rounding this place and getting the chance to see this old tower and inspect the way it looks like, we were somewhat disappointed that we were not allowed to get inside and see how it all goes from inside there, but we were satisfied enough with reaching the place and wandering a little bit around it.

If you are going to be in Antrim or even anywhere else that is near, you should definitely head to Antrim Round Tower and maybe take a couple of pictures there - you will never regret it. This is one of the most important historical flags of Antrim town in county Antrim, Northern Ireland, and that is one of the reasons why we always recommend it along with some of the other attractions like the castle gardens for those who will be around the area.

What are your favorite towers all over Northern Ireland and which one did you manage to visit? Did you go to Antrim Round Tower or not yet? Tell us more about your experience with the Irish towers.

If you still haven't visited this tower then it is now considered the right time for you to plan your trip and go check this historical tower.

If in the area checking out Castle Shane or Antrim Castle - definitely add the round tower to your list of things to do.

Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.

[TomMcClean]

I reckon that this hidden gem is one of the best remaining examples of a round tower anywhere in the whole of Ireland never mind Antrim. I don't understand why it is not more widely publicised and known.