Who We Are

Rally Round The Tower Group came into being in May 2004 when a planning application was made to build on a site adjacent to the 7th Century Round Tower in Clondalkin. We had a lot of support from the local community which culminated in a march through the village on the 20th June 2004. Over 1200 people turned up to show their opposition to the development which included apartments and a bar/restaurant.  


5000 people, including over 1000 online signatories, signed a petition objecting to the plans. 


An alternative plan for the site was devised by Rally Round The Tower Group to convert the nearby protected buildings to a heritage centre and to establish a Celtic monastic garden. The plan is still at the heart of our Mission Statement. Our proposal promotes the site as an historical, cultural, educational and tourist amenity, where people, school groups, and tourists alike can enjoy the splendour of Irelands most complete and possibly oldest Round Tower in a tranquil setting, which befits a National Monument of this importance. 


Round Tower Group Chronology:

May 11th 2004: Bawnogue School - first meeting, called by Robert Dowds. 

May 29th 2004: Fundraising Concert.

May 30th 2004: Aras Chrónáin - second meeting.

June 12th 2004: Fundraising Bag Pack.

June 20th 2004: An estimated 1200 people take part in a rally in Clondalkin village to support demands to have the planning permission overturned. 

July 22nd 2004: Fundraising Jazz Night in The Laurels Pub, Clondalkin. 

September 29th 2004: Fundraising Table Quiz in Aras Chrónáin.

October 2nd 2004: Fundraising Bag Pack. 


Working as part of Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Group

In November 2012, Rally Round the Tower joined Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Group which was established through the initiative of Robert Dowds TD. Through Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Group, RRTT works closely with a number of other local organisations to jointly promote the proposal of a Visitors Centre at the Round Tower. 

The other local organisations/groups are:

  • Clondalkin History Society

  • Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce

  • Clondalkin Tidy Towns

  • Round Towers GAA Club

  • St. Johns Church of Ireland

  • Clondalkin RC Parish

  • Clondalkin Camera Club

  • Combined Residents Association

  • Active Retirement Group

  • Muintir Chrónáin, Áras Chrónáin Ionad Cultúrtha

  • Clondalkin Local Representatives: Councillors and TDs.