Oughterard Church and Round Tower
Ascend an ancient Round Tower for stunning views, explore historic church grounds, and feel the echoes of centuries past in Ardclough.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
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Oughterard Church and Round Tower
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend an ancient Round Tower for stunning views, explore historic church grounds, and feel the echoes of centuries past in Ardclough.
"The Round Tower is an experience in itself. The views are unmatched and you can feel the history in the bones of the structure."
Check Opening Times First
📅 Not open year-round, so confirm access before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Prepare for the Tower Climb
:athletic_shoe: Steep ladders, tight spaces! Worth it for views, but not for the faint of heart. Fee applies.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 95 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oughterard Round Tower
Ardclough
Ascend this ancient tower for panoramic views and a thrilling climb up steep ladders. Feel the history!
Historic Church Grounds
Ardclough
Explore a well-maintained graveyard with a ruined medieval chapel and impressive stonework.
St. Brigid's Celebration
Kildare Town
Visit the beautiful cathedral in Kildare town, a significant site celebrating Ireland's Matron Saint.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Climbing the Round Tower
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Times First
📅 Not open year-round, so confirm access before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Prepare for the Tower Climb
:athletic_shoe: Steep ladders, tight spaces! Worth it for views, but not for the faint of heart. Fee applies. +1
Explore the Grounds
:camerawithflash: Beautiful graveyard, ruined chapel, and historic stonework offer great photo ops.
Kildare Town Cathedral
:stained_glass: Visit the cathedral in Kildare town for stunning stained glass and St. Brigid history.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Times First
📅 Not open year-round, so confirm access before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Prepare for the Tower Climb
:athletic_shoe: Steep ladders, tight spaces! Worth it for views, but not for the faint of heart. Fee applies. +1
Explore the Grounds
:camerawithflash: Beautiful graveyard, ruined chapel, and historic stonework offer great photo ops.
Kildare Town Cathedral
:stained_glass: Visit the cathedral in Kildare town for stunning stained glass and St. Brigid history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Oughterard Church and Round Tower a worthwhile historical site, particularly praising the unique experience of climbing the Round Tower for its breathtaking views and adventurous nature. The well-maintained grounds and historical artifacts also receive positive mentions. However, potential visitors should be aware of seasonal opening hours and the challenging nature of the tower climb.
"Definitely worth a visit! The round tower can be climbed for a small fee and the views are breathtaking. Afterwards you even get a certificate for it! However, you have to climb several steep ladders and it can get pretty tight, so it’s not for everyone."
Irish Eire
"Now real parking but its a beautiful church and the grounds were spotless and well looked after. Its not open all year round which is a pity so check before you visit. Inside the church are some wonderful items of interest, some tombs, armaments, old replicate villages and stunning stone work. You can climb the round tower for a better view but you have to pay for the privilege. A super location with much to admire, cheers"
Michael Raj Groves
"Beautiful historic cathedral in the centre of Kildare town. Gorgeous stained glass windows. A must see place, to celebrate the great St Brigit."
Orbit Artist
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oughterard Church and Round Tower is located in Ardclough, County Kildare. If driving, it's accessible by local roads. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi from a nearby town like Naas or Celbridge is advisable.
While parking might not be explicitly designated, visitors have noted that there is parking available at the site. It's recommended to arrive early during peak times to secure a spot.
Yes, Oughterard Church and Round Tower is a feasible day trip from Dublin, located in County Kildare. The drive is approximately 30-45 minutes, making it an easy excursion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds is generally free, but there is a fee to climb the Round Tower. It's advisable to check the official opening times and any associated costs before your visit, as it's not open year-round. +1
The site is not open all year round, so it's crucial to check the specific opening hours before planning your visit. This information is often available through local tourism websites or by contacting the site directly.
Yes, there is a small fee to climb the Round Tower. This privilege often includes a certificate upon completion of the climb.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Climbing the Round Tower involves ascending over 100 ladder steps divided into five levels. It can be tight and requires navigating steep ladders, making it an adventurous experience. The views from the top are described as breathtaking. +1
Inside the church, you can find interesting items, tombs, armaments, and old replicate villages, along with stunning stonework. The grounds also feature a ruined late medieval barrel vault chapel. +1
Information on specific facilities like restrooms is not widely detailed, but the grounds are described as spotless and well-maintained. It's wise to be prepared for a visit without extensive amenities.
The climb up the Round Tower is challenging due to steep ladders and tight spaces, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues or a fear of heights. The church grounds may offer some accessibility, but it's best to inquire directly. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Round Tower itself, the panoramic views from its summit, the ruined medieval chapel, and the well-maintained graveyard offer excellent photographic subjects. The historic stonework and any interior artifacts also make for compelling shots.
Morning light is often recommended for photography at historic sites like this, providing softer light and fewer crowds. The elevated position of the Round Tower also offers great opportunities during golden hour.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit