New immersive experience on offer at tallest round tower

The O’Connell Tower in Glasnevin Cemetery, built to commemorate Irish leader Daniel O’Connell, is being relaunched today following enhancement works.

The structure is Ireland’s tallest round tower standing at 55 metres tall and was built in 1855.

CEO of the Dublin Cemeteries Trust Aoife Watters said the group is “delighted to be relaunching the newly redesigned visitor experience” and said visitors can enjoy a new immersive experience at the tower.

“We’ve enriched each of the landing stations with information panels about the fascinating life of the liberator Daniel O’Connell,” she said.

The redesign also included the installation of new lighting in the crypt below the tower where the remains of Mr O’Connell are buried.

Ms Watters said once visitors ascend the tower’s 198 steps, they can expect “the most panoramic views in Dublin”.

The tower provides views of areas including Croke Park, Howth Head and Ringsend.

Ms Watters said the Dublin Cemeteries Trust is “really, really proud to be able to do this at this point and to really mark our founder Daniel O’Connell”.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, she said from its foundation, the cemetery has been a place of equality.

Glasnevin Cemetery was established in 1832 by Mr O’Connell, to create a non-denominational burial space for people of all religions, she said.

“It’s that ethos we are very proud to honour,” she said.