342 Observations on the 
most commonly found, which is to all appear- 
ance of contemporaneous origin. This is 
the Stone-Roofed Chapel, and it is, we 
believe, almost as peculiar to Ireland as 
the Round Towers themselves.(c) The same 
rudeness of masonry, simplicity of architec- 
ture, and, still more, the singular wedge- 
shaped and conical stone roofs, are observable 
in both; anda careful examination will show, 
that the chapel and its adjoining tower were 
built at the same time, and’ are the work of 
the same hands. These stone-roofed chapels 
are so very small and dark, as to be incon- 
venient in the highest degree for public wor- 
ship; and after the conquest of Ireland, and 
introduction of the abbeys and cathedral 
churches which now, whether entire or in 
ruins, drnament the remotest parts of that 
country, they fell speedily into disuse, and, 
with the exception of a few, which still re- 
main perfect, became ruinous, or were des- 
troyed at the reformation. Some were pro- 
bably wholly taken down, and the present 
handsome buildings raised on the site; others 
were taken down only in part, and part was 
(c) There are in England some ancient religious buildings with 
stone roofs, but we believe that none of them are of thesame wedge- 
shape, or bear the slightest resemblance to the Irish stone-roofed Cha- 
péls in external character. 
