One of Ireland's best-preserved round towers, this slender 29m 12th-century belfry and refuge looks out over Ardmore bay from the hill above the village. It stands among the ruins of St Declan's monastery, reputedly one of Ireland's oldest Christian settlements.
A short uphill walk from the village centre brings you to the 29m tower, one of Ireland's best-preserved, dated to the 12th century. It served as a belfry and a place of refuge, with a doorway set about 4m above ground reached by ladder. There is no internal access to the summit.
The ruined cathedral beside the tower has Romanesque sculptures depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, an early image of a harp and a 'Solomon's judgement'. Inside, look for the two Ogham stones resting in small alcoves.
This tiny 8th-century church is believed to be the burial place of St Declan, who founded the monastery here in the 5th century. It is among the oldest surviving buildings on the site.
The easy 3.9km loop from the seafront car park passes Ardmore Head and Ram Head, St Declan's Well and the 1987 Samson shipwreck before returning to the village below the tower. Allow about an hour.
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