Discover Castledermot

Castledermot tells its story through impressive buildings and stone monuments: a 10th-century round tower, high crosses, grave slabs and church remains bring the town’s monastic heritage to life. If you are planning a history-focused stay, Castledermot offers a unique perspective on medieval ecclesiastical architecture and its long development.

Round Tower and North Cross

The round tower dates from the 10th century and is approximately 20 metres high. Its five levels are built of granite fieldstones with a pebbly appearance, and the building is topped with medieval-style battlements. The tower stands north of the main church and defines the skyline, also helping visitors spot St. James's Church in the landscape. The entrance is at ground level, but the tower can only be viewed from the outside: entry to the interior is not permitted. It is a National Monument in state care.

The North Cross also stands in the cemetery: a soaring 10th-century granite ringed cross. The round tower and the cross make different impressions: one is a multi-storey structure with its distinctive stone surface, the other an upright cross. Together with other high crosses and inscribed stones, they are among the varied remains of the monastic settlement.

A Monastic Settlement with a Long History

The settlement was founded by the 9th century at the latest and traces its origins to St. Diarmuid, who died in 825 AD. Its surviving and documented features include grave slabs, cross-slabs, stones inscribed with crosses, architectural fragments, a hogback tomb, high crosses, the round tower and St. James's parish church. The hogback stone is unique in Ireland; its Scandinavian influence makes it a distinctive part of the historical heritage.

The burial place of Cormac mac Cuilennáin is also part of the town’s history. He was a bishop and King of Munster and died in 938 AD. Those interested in the different periods will therefore find more than a single historic building in Castledermot: there are various forms of tombs, church architecture and monastic remains.

St. James's Church and the Franciscan Friary

St. James's Church forms the historic heart of Castledermot and continues a long-standing ecclesiastical presence at this site. Its grounds include the remains of a 12th-century church and a 10th-century round tower, both of considerable archaeological significance. The church is a striking building on Church Lane; it can be viewed from Abbey Street through the western avenue.

The Franciscan Friary was built around 1247 on the site of an older monastery founded by St. Diarmuid. It was attacked and plundered during the Bruce invasion of 1315–1318, then rebuilt. Today, only the ruined church remains of what was once a significant settlement. Regularly coursed granite and granite quoins at the building’s corners define its construction. Several lancet windows, some with tracery featuring varied linear patterns, once lit the transept and choir.

Plan Your Visit

Up to one hour is recommended for the site with its round tower, high cross and St. David's Graveyard. This guidance can help you fit a visit to this area into your day. If you would like to explore more of Castledermot beyond its individual buildings, you can also include the Kildare Monastic Trail: at Castledermot, it leads to the Monastery, with its high crosses, round tower and Scandinavian-influenced Viking hogback tomb. At Castledermot Friary, the trail passes through the remains of the Franciscan friary that served the medieval town.

Choosing a holiday rental in Castledermot suits a stay where you can take your time exploring these historic sites. More places to consider for your trip: Ballitore, Athy, Celbridge, Straffan, Naas, Moone, Kildangan and Leixlip.

For the broader travel overview: County Kildare.