Cloyne, a small and ancient cathedral town, is especially well known through its strong associations with Bishop Berkeley the famous 18th century philosopher, born in Kilkenny. He was Bishop of Cloyne from 1734 to 1753. It is after he who the town of Berkeley in California is named.
The origin of Cloyne can be traced back to St. Colman in the 6th century who founded the See of Cloyne. An interesting feature at Cloyne is one of the few surviving Round Towers in Ireland. The monastery of which was founded in 604AD. These Round Towers are thought to have been places of refuge for Christian monks at times of attack and plunder. Cloyne round tower is composed of a dark purplish sandstone with battlements where the conical cap was replaced, reportedly before 1739 according to early drawings
Christy Ring, the famous Cork hurler, was born here and is commemorated by a sculpture of him in the town.
