Belfries.—The Cloictheach, or Round Tower, appears to have been the most usual belfry. The ancient structure at Glendalough, called St. Kevin’s ‘Kitchen,’ supports upon its western gable a small tower which appears to have answered this purpose. Bell-turrets, properly speaking, were not common before the thirteenth century.
Such are the more usual and prominent characteristics of the early Irish churches. It should be observed that the doorway, with few exceptions, is invariably found to occupy a position in the centre of the west end. The windows in chancelled churches are generally five in number; one in the east gable, and one in each of the side walls of the nave and choir.
We shall now refer more specifically to some examples of early churches whose characteristic features come within those here classified.
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Chancel Arch of the Old Church of Killiney, Co. Dublin.
Doorway in Killiney Church, Co. Dublin.
Pointed Doorway in Killiney Church.