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Founded by St Colman Mac Duach in the early 7th century this site has what is considered to be one of the finest collections of monastic buildings in Ireland. Although plundered in the 13th century, it remained the seat of a bishop for a further 300 years or so.

The most notable feature is the 34m tall Round Tower which is thought to date from the 12th century and is the tallest such tower in the country. It would have served as a place of refuge for the monks in case of attack (the only access is 7m above ground level). It has a noticeable lean out of the perpendicular towards the south west.

The largest building on the site, the Cathedral, is thought to date from the 11th or 12th century.