Ros Cam | |
Monastery information | |
---|---|
Other names | Ros-chaim; Ros-camm |
Established | 5th century AD |
Diocese | Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora |
Architecture | |
Status | ruined |
Style | Celtic |
Site | |
Location | Roscam, Oranmore, County Galway |
Coordinates | 53°15′52″N 8°59′06″W / 53.264423°N 8.984974°W |
Visible remains | Church, bullauns and round tower |
Public access | yes |
Official name | Roscam |
Reference no. | 46 |
Roscam is a medieval ecclesiastical site and National Monument located in County Galway, Ireland.[1][2]
Roscam is located 4 km (2.5 mi) east of Galway city, immediately north of Oranmore Bay.[3]
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; it is well outside Galway city and is easily accessible by boat.[10]
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]