Madam, – Notwithstanding all the doom and gloom in the country, I think it is time to celebrate the millennium of the building of the Irish round towers.
Any that have been dated seem to have been built from the 10th to the 12th centuries, so the 11th century is a reasonable mean. They are unique to Ireland and are to be found in almost every county. They represent our architectural and Christian heritage – as well as the natural environment, as many are built in magnificent locations.
It is time to celebrate something good about Ireland and it would give people a chance to enjoy our beautiful landscape. Perhaps the tourist industry might consider a promotional initiative? – Yours, etc,