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St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower
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St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower

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About

St Canice's is the 13th-century Gothic cathedral that gives the city its name, and beside it stands a round tower from the mid-9th century, older than the cathedral by some four hundred years. It is one of only two round towers in Ireland you can still climb, 121 steps up a series of ladders to a view over the rooftops and the Nore valley. The cathedral itself is worth the time for its medieval tombs and floor slabs.

Photos

Highlights

  • Climbing the 9th-century round tower, 121 steps
  • One of only two climbable round towers in Ireland
  • Medieval tombs and carved floor slabs inside the cathedral
  • Rooftop views over the city and the Nore valley

Tips

  • There is a minimum height of around 4.5ft to climb the tower
  • Tower access is weather-dependent and seasonal; check ahead
  • Sunday opening is afternoon only, roughly 1pm to 6pm

Best Season

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