Roscam

Medieval ecclesiastical site in Galway, Ireland From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Roscam is a medieval ecclesiastical site and National Monument located in Galway, Ireland.[1][2]

Other namesRos-chaim; Ros-camm
Established5th century AD
Statusruined
Quick facts Monastery information, Other names ...
Roscam
Ros Cam
Roscam is located in County Galway
Roscam
Location within County Galway
Monastery information
Other namesRos-chaim; Ros-camm
Established5th century AD
DioceseGalway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora
Architecture
Statusruined
StyleCeltic
Site
LocationRoscam, Galway
Coordinates53.264423°N 8.984974°W / 53.264423; -8.984974
Visible remainsChurch, bullauns and round tower
Public accessyes
Official nameRoscam
Reference no.46
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Location

Roscam is located 4 km (2.5 mi) east of the Galway city centre, immediately north of Oranmore Bay.[3] It is just to the south of the Galway neighbourhood of Roscam, which takes its name from the site.

History

Roscam stands on the site of a very early (5th century) monastery, with legend linking it to Saint Patrick.[4] It was also associated with Odran, a brother of Ciarán of Clonmacnoise (6th century). The 6th-century Saint Aedus (Aidus) transferred the bones of Brión mac Echach Muigmedóin to Roscam.[5] It was attacked by Vikings in AD 807.[6]

The round tower is dated to the 11th century and appears to have never been completed.[7] The ruined tower once marked the limit of O'Halloran (Ó hAllmhuráin, Clann Fhearghaile) territory.[8][9]

The church was built in the 15th century.[citation needed]

Roscam is said to have been used as a duelling site in the medieval era; at the time, it was well outside of what was then the city of Galway and was easily accessible by boat.[10]

Ruins and monuments

The tower

There is a limestone round tower (11 m (36 ft) tall),[11][12] bullauns and a church 22 m (72 ft) in length. The whole site is surrounded by a large enclosure.[13]

References

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