The town of Roscrea grew around its ancient Franciscan monastery.
The Round Tower, on the west side of Church Street, has a doorway 15 feet from the ground and is the oldest surviving part of the ancient monastery.
The usual conical cap is missing as it was destroyed by cannon fire in 1798.
The gateway to the present Catholic parish church is part of a Franciscan friary founded by Maelruanigh O'Carroll before 1477.
Only the east and north walls of the chancel, the bell tower and parts of the northern nave arcade remain, and some other pieces have been built into the walls.
