Clonmacnoise
Tel: 090 9674195The ancient site of Clonmacnoise is located at the crossroads of Ireland in County Offaly and dates back almost 1,500 years. St. Ciaran, the son of an Ulsterman who had settled in Connaught, chose the site in 545 AD because of its ideal location at the junction of river and road travel in Celtic Ireland. The location borders the three provinces of Connaught, Leinster and Munster. The monastery is on the east side of the River Shannon, in what was then the Kingdom of Meath, but occupying a position so central it was the burial-place of many of the kings of Connaught as well as those of Tara. From the eighth to tenth centuries, it was a scriptorium where skills of calligraphy and illustration were perfected. Metal workers produced some fine Celtic craftwork in gold, silver and bronze.
Clonmacnoise is an early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. Clonmacnoice site includes the ruins of a cathedral, two round towers, eight churches, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. The Visitor Centre is home to the original high crosses and grave slabs along with a number of exhibitions. Within the visitor you can also view the long and varied history of Clonmacnoise recounted in an audiovisual presentation.
For more information on Clonmacnoise contact Destination Birr
