Roscam is located 4 km (2.5 mi) east of Galway city, immediately north of Oranmore Bay.[3]
History
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]
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]
Ruins and monuments
The tower
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]