Balla Round Tower

Balla Round Tower
Native name
Irish: Cloigtheach Bhalla[1]

Southern view
Type Irish round tower
Location Balla, County Mayo, Ireland
Coordinates 53°48′18″N 9°07′53″W / 53.805085°N 9.131520°W / 53.805085; -9.131520Coordinates: 53°48′18″N 9°07′53″W / 53.805085°N 9.131520°W / 53.805085; -9.131520
Height 10 m (33 ft)
Built 12th century
Architectural style(s) Romanesque
Official name: Balla Round Tower
Reference no. 403
Location of Balla Round Tower in Ireland

Balla Round Tower is an Irish round tower and National Monument located in County Mayo, Ireland.

Location

Balla Round Tower is located in central Balla, west of the Main Street (part of the N60) on the site of the modern graveyard.

History

A monastery was founded at Balla by Mo Chua of Balla (d. AD 637). The tower is believed to date from the 12th century, judging by the moulding on the lower jambs. The tower was used as a bell-tower in the 19th century.[2]

Description

North view

Balla Round Tower was build with red and brown coursed sandstone, and the lower three stories survive. There are two doorways: one in the east 6.5 m (21 ft) up, and an arched north-facing lower down doorway – probably a later insertion. There is only one window, in the south of the tower.[3][4] The lintel of the east door reused an old cross slab, and two bullaun stones are built into the base.[5][6]

References

  1. ↑ "Cloigtheach Bhalla/Balla Round Tower".
  2. ↑ "Balla Round Tower".
  3. ↑ "Balla Round Tower, Mayo".
  4. ↑ Schorr, Frank. "Balla Irish Round Tower".
  5. ↑ "Balla Round Tower « Pilgrimage In Medieval Ireland".
  6. ↑ "megalithomania: Balla (Mayo) :: Round Tower :: Visit notes".
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