Bell Tower at Tory Island

It was quick walk back to the main village of Tory. We merely walked back using the main road with the dog in tow. The dog has been tailing us ever since we got here and only left us when we passed by his house. We got back to town soon enough and there was still a bit of time before our ferry arrives. This gave us some time to explore the town. It will be quick exploration since the village is so small. It is essentially a one street village and most of the interesting stuff is along this stretch. The most prominent one was what is probably the first one which I noticed when we first arrived. There is a round bell tower but it didn’t seem to be in good condition as parts of is have already collapsed. The main body of the bell tower is still intact though.

A Look at the Bell Tower at Tory Island

The Bell Tower is part of the monastic legacy of Tory Island. It can be recalled that Saint Colmcille set up a monastery here in Tory Island. Most of the monastery stuff is all gone now, all but this bell tower. The exact date of the bell tower is not known and it is estimated to have been built in the 12th century. It was, and probably still is, the tallest structure on Tory island. It is not surprising if the villagers used the bell tower as a look out tower. It is county Donegal’s oldest round bell tower. There are others in Ireland and this one is the one of the smallest.

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