monastic sites ireland

The monastery of Terryglass which has long since disappeared , took the lead in the great 9th -10th century revival of Irish learning and literature to which we owe much of what is now know about Ireland's remote and pagan past. The oldest personal letter we have is one to the Abbot of Terryglass seeking the works of some poets. The great compilation, THE BOOK OF LEINSTER was, it seems, begun here....

St Declan founded Ireland's earliest Christian settlement in Ardmore in 416 A.D. before the arrival of St Patrick. The 12th Century Round Tower, is 29m high and is the best example of an Irish Round Tower. The carvings on the West Gable of the Cathedral are special to Ardmore and depict Biblical scenes, as well as scenes from the early Christianisation of Ardmore. Nearby are St Declan's Grave (Beannachan). Ogham Stones, St. Declan's Stone and St. Declan's Well (Hermitage). The Round Tower...

Of the monastery of Drumcliff, said to have been founded by St Columcille in the sixth century, only the elaborately sculptured High Cross and the base of a Round Tower survive. The former dates possibly from the early years of the eleventh century and is decorated on both faces with scriptural scenes, interlace designs and zoomorphic motifs. Among the biblical episodes depicted are the Crucifixion, Adam and Eve, and Daniel in the Lions' Den. close by is Drumcliff Parish Church, in the g...

This bare and treeless island, often inaccessible because of rough seas and lack of a proper quay, lies 4 miles north-west of Streedagh Point. Charter boat trips leave from Mullaghmore harbour in suitable conditions, the 9-mile crossing taking about 1.5 hours. On the island, abandoned by its small beleaguered population in the 1950s, are a wealth of remains of the early Christian period. The original monastery was founded in the sixth century by St. Molaise and several of the later buildings...

This Cistercian monastery, 3km west of Roscrea (off the R491 road to Cloughjordan), is sited on land which was owned by the monks of Monaicha. The Cistercians came here from Mount Mellery in 1878, to an estate in Ballyskeragh, purchased for the purpose of a monastic foundation by Arthur Moore....

Improve your English in an enjoyable way: through lessons, conversations, Celtic and archaeological tours, films, lectures and discussions with Islanders. Tuition: Ursula Murray...

The site of the sixth-century monastery founded by St. Colman. In the eighteenth-century the Cosbys added a morturary-chancel to the remains of the twelfth-century stone roofed church. Note the memorial on the south wall to Thomas Douglas (1630-1734) declaring 'Blest be ye men who spare these bones, Curst be they who move these stones!'...

3km from Roscrea. Working organic farm produce available....

Ballintubber Abbey was founded in 1216 by Cathal Crobhdearg O'Connor, King of Connacht, near the site of the church built by St. Patrick in 441. Despite the Abbey's turbulent history, which included repression and burning, the Abbey 'refused to die' and now has the unique status of being Ireland's only royal Abbey which has been in continuous use for over 780 years. Spend some time in Ballintubber and Stroll around the grounds of the Abbey. Pray within its hallowed walls. Visit the Interpr...

Holy Cross Monastery
Thurles is remembered for being the town where Michael Cusack and his friends, formed the G.A.A. It is also known as the town which hosted Feile for a number of years, where teenagers made the "Trip to Tip." But outside Thurles, is the Holy Cross Abbey, which was founded in 1169 by the King of Thomond of the Cistercian monks. A relic of the true cross owned by the King was given to the Abbey.

It was very prosperous and several of the Abbots were peers of...