Clonmacnoise Monastic site

Clonmacnoise
Ruins at Clonmacnoise

Regarded as one of the most important in Europe, Clonmacnoise is an Early Christian monastic site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe.

The original high crosses and a selection of graveslabs are on display in the visitor centre.

The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region.