Visit Clonmacnoise, an early Christian monastery in Ireland

Halfway between Dublin and Galway, on the banks of the River Shannon, is one of the oldest monasteries in Ireland and where tranquility and serenity are its main attraction.

Not to mention the beauty of the complex formed by the early Christian ruins with the river, through which you can reach Conmacnoise from nearby Athlone.

Strolling through the ruins of Clonmacnoise and admiring its Celtic crosses is a unique experience that you can only experience if you visit Ireland.

Things to do in Clonmacnoise

Although this spectacular monastery was founded in the year 545 by Saint Ciarán with the help of Diarmait, there are still some very well-preserved important remains that will surprise you if you visit Clonmacnoise.

Diarmait was the first Christian High King of Ireland.

This place was of great importance during the Middle Ages and was such a well-known place in Europe that even monks from all over the continent traveled to this monastic complex to complete their studies.

The ruins, the result of the decay that the place suffered after years of abandonment, are of great importance in the history of Ireland and are made up of a cathedral, two towers and seven small churches, all of them surrounded by innumerable Celtic crosses on hundreds of tombstones. of stone.

The Cathedral, where Rory O’Connor, the last King of Ireland, was buried in the 12th century, is the main point of interest even though the roof has now been lost. It was the nerve center of the enclosure and in it we can find numerous tombs.

Among all the churches there are, as we have said before, numerous tombs crowned with Celtic crosses, among which the Southern Cross and the Cross of the Scriptures stand out, one of the most famous in Ireland that with its 4 meters stands out among all the others.

It dates from the year 900 and different scenes of the Crucifixion of Christ and the Last Judgment are engraved on it.

In the Clonmacnoise enclosure there is also a small museum where you can learn about the history of the monastery and also the original crosses. Yes, the ones on the outside are replicas.

You can find more information on the official Clonmacnoise Ruins page.