Rattoo Round Tower
A 900-year-old Rattoo Round Tower in Kerry, rumored to house Ireland's only internal Sheela na Gig. Currently under renovation.
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Rattoo Round Tower
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 900-year-old Rattoo Round Tower in Kerry, rumored to house Ireland's only internal Sheela na Gig. Currently under renovation.
"A mighty tower standing the test of time over 900 years, unique for its potential internal Sheela na Gig."
Check OPW Status First
Renovations can affect access. Confirm with OPW before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Explore the Cemetery
The graveyard offers great views and a peaceful atmosphere. :gravestone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rattoo Round Tower
County Kerry, Ireland
A 900-year-old tower, unique for its potential internal Sheela na Gig. Currently under restoration.
Adjacent Church Ruins & Cemetery
Next to the Round Tower
Explore the atmospheric ruins of an old church and a historic cemetery, offering great views of the tower.
Sheela na Gig (Potential)
Inside Rattoo Round Tower
This tower is rumored to house Ireland's only Sheela na Gig within a round tower. Access is key.
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Planning Your Visit
Check Renovation Status
Explore the Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check OPW Status First
Renovations can affect access. Confirm with OPW before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Explore the Cemetery
The graveyard offers great views and a peaceful atmosphere. :gravestone:
Narrow Road Access
The road to the tower is small and scenic. Drive carefully! :oncoming_automobile:
Combine with Abbey Ruins
Nearby abbey ruins add to the historical exploration. :ancient_ruins:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check OPW Status First
Renovations can affect access. Confirm with OPW before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Explore the Cemetery
The graveyard offers great views and a peaceful atmosphere. :gravestone:
Narrow Road Access
The road to the tower is small and scenic. Drive carefully! :oncoming_automobile:
Combine with Abbey Ruins
Nearby abbey ruins add to the historical exploration. :ancient_ruins:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Rattoo Round Tower a unique historical site, particularly for its potential Sheela na Gig. While renovations currently restrict access to the tower itself, the adjacent church ruins and cemetery are praised for their atmosphere and viewing opportunities. The narrow approach road adds to its charm, making it a worthwhile detour for history buffs and photographers.
"A mighty tower standing the test of time over 900 years. Unfortunately it was closed off by the OPW who are doing renovations. Pity because apparently there is a sheela na gig inside and its the only roundtower in Ireland that has one. That alone makes it unique and a must see. You can get great views of the tower close up but there is scaffolding in the way. The next door cemetry and church ruins provide a good backdrop and viewing point. Not far away are the abbey ruins too. Definitely worth a stop off or a detour visit if you are in this part of Kerry."
Kevin Stuart Marshall
"Cool place. Road to tower is small but nice. They are renovating it right now, so could not get up close"
Eric Lorenz
"It's currently not accessible to the public (ongoing restoration by OPW). You can visit the ruined church and graveyard next door. Beautiful example of a round tower!"
Marybeth Fuhrman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rattoo Round Tower is located in County Kerry, Ireland. Access is via a narrow road, so drive with care. It's often described as a quiet location down a small but nice road.
While the road is narrow, the tower is a distinct landmark. It's a good idea to use GPS and be prepared for a slightly more secluded journey.
Many visitors find it a worthwhile stop or detour if you're in the area. The journey itself is part of the experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, Rattoo Round Tower is closed to the public due to ongoing renovations by the OPW. Access may be restricted.
As the tower is under renovation, there are no set public opening hours. It's best to check the OPW website or local information for updates on restoration progress and potential future access.
Tickets are not typically required for Rattoo Round Tower, but access is currently limited due to restoration work.
The adjacent church ruins and cemetery are generally open to visitors without an entrance fee, offering a chance to explore the historical site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Even when closed for renovation, you can admire the tower from the outside. The adjacent ruined church and cemetery are open and provide a historical context and good viewing points.
Rattoo Round Tower is notable for its age (over 900 years) and the unique possibility of housing a Sheela na Gig inside, which would make it the only round tower in Ireland with one.
Yes, the tower, along with the church ruins and cemetery, offers picturesque views. Scaffolding might be present due to renovations, but you can still capture the essence of the site.
Absolutely. It's often described as a cool place and a worthwhile stop or detour, especially when combined with the nearby church ruins.
📸 📸 Photography
The adjacent cemetery and church ruins provide excellent vantage points for photographing the tower. Look for compositions that include the historical context.
Access might be limited due to renovations and scaffolding. However, you can still get good views and capture the tower's grandeur from the surrounding grounds.
Daytime generally offers the best natural light for photography. Consider visiting when the sun is at an angle that highlights the tower's texture and the surrounding ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
Combine your visit with an exploration of the nearby ruined church and cemetery, which offer further insights into medieval Irish life and architecture. The surrounding landscape also holds historical significance, making it a rich area for discovery.
Photographers
Even with scaffolding present due to renovations, photographers can find unique angles and compositions. The quiet, secluded location adds to the appeal, allowing for unhurried shots. Consider visiting during the golden hours for optimal lighting to capture the textures and mood of the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Rattoo Round Tower
Beyond the tower itself, the surrounding ruined church and cemetery offer a glimpse into centuries of local history and spiritual life. Exploring these grounds provides a tangible connection to the past and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. The OPW's ongoing renovation efforts highlight the importance of preserving such historical landmarks for future generations, ensuring that the stories and architectural marvels of places like Rattoo continue to be shared.
Navigating Access and Renovation
Despite the tower's inaccessibility, the site remains a worthwhile destination. The adjacent church ruins and cemetery are typically open and provide excellent opportunities for exploration and photography. Visitors can still appreciate the tower's imposing presence from the exterior and immerse themselves in the historical ambiance of the church grounds. The narrow road leading to the tower also adds to the sense of discovery, making the journey part of the overall experience.
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