Kinneigh Round Tower
One of only two surviving round towers in County Cork, Kinneigh’s Round Tower stands as a testament to the region's Early Christian heritage. Unlike typical round towers, it features a distinctive hexagonal base and is built on a rock outcrop using local slate. The tower, which dates back to the 12th century, served as a bell house, refuge, and store for valuables. Standing approximately 26 meters tall today, the tower has survived lightning strikes and centuries of weathering. Conservation work in 2000 ensured its preservation.
Early Christian Monastery at Kinneigh
Kinneigh’s rich history is further highlighted by its origins as an Early Christian monastery, founded in 619 AD by St Mocholmóg. Originally located about 1 km west of the current site, the monastery was relocated to Sleenoge after being destroyed by Viking raiders in 916 AD. The monastery was a significant religious and political center, with skilled monks producing valuable manuscripts and metalwork. Following the Reformation, the site became home to a Church of Ireland parish church, though the local Catholic community continued to use the graveyard.
The 12th-century Round Tower, possibly influenced by Germanic architecture, was built to signify Kinneigh’s importance as a chief church in this part of the diocese of Cork during that period. The round tower, now a National Monument, continues to be a focal point of Kinneigh's historical legacy.
Historic Grave Markers and the Kinneigh Map
The graveyard at Kinneigh contains numerous headstones from the 18th century onwards, showcasing a rich tradition of carved decoration and inscriptions. The low, uninscribed grave markers, which identify older or less well-off family graves, add to the graveyard’s historical significance. The Church of Ireland graveyard is enclosed by a wall constructed from stones of the dismantled Christ Church (1794-1856), further linking the site to its long and storied past.
As of May 2024, Coppeen Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Society has mapped, surveyed and documented all graves in Kinneigh with the information held to date. If you have any new information which could help with identifying a grave or graves, please contact us.