Round Tower and historic village centre

Clondalkin Village lies on the banks of the River Camac. In the centre of the village stands the Clondalkin Round Tower, at the edge of Tower Road. The tower is 27.5 metres high and about four metres wide at its base. It was founded in the 7th century by St Mochua and is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works. It can only be viewed from the outside; access to the interior is not permitted. Check the conditions on site before travelling.

Clondalkin Village has been designated an Architectural Conservation Area around its historic centre. This includes the Round Tower, St Johns Terrace and St. John’s Church of Ireland. The designation helps visitors see the tower in the context of the historic village centre, rather than limiting their visit to a single building.

Irish culture and visitor experiences

The Áras Chrónáin Irish Cultural Centre is housed in a Georgian building on a 2.9-acre site in the heart of old Clondalkin Village. It is home to Muintir Chrónáin and is dedicated to the Irish language, music, songs, dance and culture. This makes it a distinct cultural focus alongside the architectural history of the village centre.

The Round Tower Experience exhibition uses eight differently themed rooms in the restored 19th-century Mill Cottages. The Experience also includes an interactive visitor centre, public gardens, a café, a terrace dining area, exhibition and gallery spaces, and a shop. An audio guide allows visitors to explore independently in English, Irish, French, German and Spanish. Languages and access arrangements may change; check the latest information in advance.

It is important to distinguish the Round Tower Centre from the historic tower: the Centre is fully accessible and has a lift, toilets and parking on site. Check the current arrangements before travelling. The accessibility and facilities listed apply to the Centre; the tower itself can still only be viewed from the outside.

A free heritage trail app is available to help you find your way around and explore Clondalkin’s history. A guided Village Heritage Walk is also available to download. Check in advance that the app and download are available and that the link to the walk is up to date.

Grand Canal walks and planning

The Grand Canal is about a five-minute walk from Clondalkin Village. A Greenway-standard path for cyclists and pedestrians runs along the canal and leads all the way into Dublin city. The 8.5-kilometre section of the Grand Canal Way between the 3rd Lock at Inchicore and the 12th Lock at Lucan opened in June 2010. In South Dublin, the path is accessible from Clondalkin Village at 9th Lock Road. Alongside the historic village centre, you can choose a waterside walk or plan a longer route.

For road access, Clondalkin Village is just off the N7 at Junction 1A and can be reached via the M50, Exit 9. If you would like to time your stay to coincide with the Clondalkin Village Festival, note that it takes place every year in June. Check the current programme before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Saggart, Rathcoole, Lucan

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