islands clare

Inis Cealtra, or Holy Island, lies about 2 km from Mountshannon, from which boats to the island may be hired. It is notable for its early monastic remains, including a round tower whose top storey is missing! The settlement was founded in the 7th century by St. Caimin and remained in active occupation, despite the assault of Norse raiders, until the 13th century. It continued as a famous place of pilgrimage up to fairly recent times. It is still used as a burial ground. Two excellent short...

Donal Mor O'Brien founded a church on this island in the Shannon estuary for the Augustinian Canons some time towards the end of the 12th century. In the 15th century a tower was built to the south of the nave, and two chapels were added. Most of the domestic buildings are of the same period; they comprise a sacristy next to the church, a chapter room in the east side, and a kitchen, a pantry and refectory on the ground floor of the south wing. There were no buildings in the western portion....

Ireland's Shannon Region is full of thousands of monuments signalling thousands of years of heritage. From prehistoric times there are stone tombs, megalithic tombs as they are called, some of the most dramatic monuments you are likely to find anywhere in the world....