
audiobook
THE ROUND TOWERS OF IRELAND
INTRODUCTION
SYNOPSIS
DEDICATION OF THE FIRST EDITION
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
Delving into the silent silhouettes that dot the Irish landscape, this work unravels the enduring enigma of the country’s stone round towers. Combining careful field observations with centuries‑old legends, the author examines their construction, possible functions, and the cultural world that birthed them. Readers are guided through the rugged western coast, ancient monastic sites, and the shifting political tapestry that shaped these solitary sentinels.
The narrative is as much a personal quest as a scholarly study. Drawing on a modest upbringing in the mountains of Kerry and a self‑directed education steeped in Irish language and classical literature, the writer brings a distinctive voice to the investigation. Rich with maps, detailed sketches, and an extensive index, the book invites listeners to explore a forgotten chapter of Irish heritage while appreciating the curiosity and perseverance that drive true discovery.
Language
en
Duration
~18 hours (1093K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive.)
Release date
2013-04-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1808–1835
An Irish antiquarian with a taste for bold ideas, he is best remembered for a book that tried to decode the meaning of Ireland’s round towers through mythology, religion, and ancient symbolism. His short life gave rise to a work that remained curious and controversial long after his death.
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by Thomas O'Neill Russell