Uses of the Round Towers of Ireland, c^-c. 5 



III. That they were probably also used, when occasion required, as beacons, 

 and watch-towers. 



These conclusions, which have been already advocated separately by many 

 distinguished antiquaries among whom are Molyneux, Ledwich, Pinkerton,. 

 Sir Walter Scott, Montmorenci, Brewer, and Otway will be proved by the 

 following evidences: 



For the FIRST CONCLUSION, namely, that the Towers are of Christian origin: 



1. The Towers are never found unconnected with ancient ecclesiastical 

 foundations. 



2. Their architectural styles exhibit no features or peculiarities not 

 equally found in the original churches with which they are locally 

 connected, when such remain. 



3. On several of them Christian emblems are observable, and others dis- 

 play in the details a style of architecture universally acknowledged to 

 be of Christian origin. 



4. They possess, invariably, architectural features not found in any build- 

 ings in Ireland ascertained to be of Pagan times. 



For the SECOND CONCLUSION, namely, that they were intended to serve the 

 double purpose of belfries, and keeps, or castles, for the uses already specified: 



1. Their architectural construction, as will appear, eminently favours this 

 conclusion. 



2. A variety of passages, extracted from our annals and other authentic 

 documents, will prove that they were constantly applied to both these 

 purposes. 



For the THIRD CONCLUSION, namely, that they may have also been occa- 

 sionally used as beacons, and watch-towers: 



1. There are some historical evidences which render such a hypothesis 

 extremely probable. 



2. The necessity which must have existed in early Christian times for 

 such beacons, and watch-towers, and the perfect fitness of the Round 

 Towers to answer such purposes, will strongly support this conclusion. 



These conclusions or, at least, such of them as presume the Towers to have 

 had a Christian origin, and to have served the purpose of a belfry will be further 

 corroborated by the uniform and concurrent tradition of the country, and, above 



