Roscam facts for kids
| Ros Cam | |
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 Location in Ireland
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| 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 Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Site |
| Reference no. | 46 |
Roscam is a medieval ecclesiastical site and National Monument located in County Galway, Ireland.
Location
Roscam is located 4 km (2.5 mi) east of Galway city, immediately north of Oranmore Bay.
History
Roscam stands on the site of a very early (5th century) monastery, with legend linking it to Saint Patrick. 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. It was attacked by Vikings in AD 807.
The round tower is dated to the 11th century and appears to have never been completed. The ruined tower once marked the limit of O'Halloran (Ó hAllmhuráin, Clann Fhearghaile) territory.
The church was built in the 15th century.
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.
Ruins and monuments
There is a limestone round tower (11 m (36 ft) tall), bullauns and a church 22 m (72 ft) in length. The whole site is surrounded by a large enclosure.
