Kilmacduagh

Southwest of Gort on the R460 are the ruins of the monastic site of Kilmacduagh (National Monument), with several churches and a round tower. The round tower, 112ft/34m high, is excellently preserved, but leans about 2ft/60cm out of the perpendicular; the entrance is 25ft/7.8m above the ground. Beside it is the Cathedral (12th/15th C.) with nave, chancel and transepts; in the north transept are fine popular style representations of the Crucifixion. To the right of the cathedral stands St John's Church (12th C.), and adjoining it a fortress-like 13th C. building, probably the abbot's lodging. At the northwest corner of the precinct is O'Heyne's Church (13th C.), with a fine chancel arch, and close by are the remains of another small church. On the other side of the road, opposite the cathedral, is St Mary's Church (12th C.). The whole site, set in green pastureland on the shores of a lough, with the Burren Hills in the background, is exceedingly picturesque.