Round Towers

Much at the same time as the High Crosses were carved, the distinctive round towers of irlenad appeared. There is much debate about the reasons.

Was it for the ringing of bells?
Were they status symbols?
Were they to guide pilgrims?
Did they have a liturgical function? i.e for processions and show off relics.
Did they act as watchtowers?
No one knows: Read the theories.

see:
Tadhg O’Keefe, Ireland’s Round Tower, Tempus Publishing 2004

http://www.roundtowers.org/