the magdalene tower

The Magdalene Tower crowns the highest point in the northern part of the town and is a landmark for many miles around. It was the belfry tower of the once extensive Dominican friary founded here about 1224 by Lucas de Netterville Archbishop of Armagh. The tower appears to be of 14th century construction and was possibly a later addition to the monastery. It springs from a fine Gothic Arch above which there are two further storeys connected by a spiral staircase, the entrance to which is a considerable distance from the ground on the north side. The roof of the arch is groined from the angles, each groin being supported by a cherub's head carved in stone. The walls of the tower are perforated by eight windows, two in eachside with cut stone facings. The battlements were damaged by Cromwell's cannon during the siege of 1649. In the Millmount Museum may be seen a variety of 14th century flooring tiles, found here during excavations for a house foundation some years ago.