This view of the northeast side of the Rock, which shows the burial sites in the foreground, also highlights the Round Tower of the Rock.  There are 120 such Round Towers throughout Ireland, and they served as strongholds for monks trying to avoid pillagers, as well as markers along the Pilgrim roads of ancient Ireland.  This tower is of the late 9th or early 10th century, measures nearly 100 feet in height, and has a diameter of 17 feet at the base.  It is one of the best-preserved Round Towers in Ireland, and one of the very few still to have an intact roof.

The Rock, viewed now from the west side (the round tower is on the opposite side).  The large central structure is St. Patrick's Cathedral, first built in 1169.  It was extensively burned in 1494 and 1647, and repaired many times.  Also evident in the image is the Castle of Cashel, first built in 1450.

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