HeyRuaHow to say “round tower” in Irish
- Irish:
- cloigtheach
- English:
- round tower, belfry
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KLIG-hyakh” /ˈkliɟhax/
- Plural:
- cloigthithe (round towers)
- Genitive singular:
- cloigthí, an chloigthí (e.g. barr an chloigthí, the top of the round tower)
- Genitive plural:
- cloigthithe, na gcloigthithe (e.g. stair na gcloigthithe, the history of the round towers)
What does “cloigtheach” mean?
“Cloigtheach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- round tower
- A tall, narrow, round stone tower built beside early Irish monasteries, used as a bell tower and refuge.Also: bell tower, belfry, belltower.
1 other meaning: belfry
- 2belfry
- A tower or building in which a bell or bells are hung.Also: bell tower, steeple.
“Cloigtheach” with the article
The plural of round tower in Irish is cloigthithe. Here is cloigtheach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cloigtheach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cloigtheach, the Irish word for round tower.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Round tower in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for round tower?
The Irish for round tower is cloigtheach (pronounced “KLIG-hyakh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cloigthithe. Depending on context it can also mean belfry.
How do you pronounce cloigtheach in Irish?
Cloigtheach is said like “KLIG-hyakh” (IPA /ˈkliɟhax/).
What is the plural of round tower in Irish?
The plural of cloigtheach is cloigthithe; with the article, na cloigthithe means “the round towers”. The genitive plural is cloigthithe, as in stair na gcloigthithe (the history of the round towers).
Does cloigtheach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cloigtheach can mean round tower or belfry, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cloigtheach change to chloigtheach or gcloigtheach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cloigtheach becomes mo chloigtheach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcloigtheach (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cloigtheach' and 'túr'?
'Túr' is any tower, while 'cloigtheach' (literally 'bell house') usually means an Irish round tower or a belfry.
