monastic sites roscommon

A monastery was founded here in the 6th century and at the Synod of Rathbreasail in 1111 Ardcarn was chosen as one of the five dioceses of Connacht. At the Synod of Kells in 1152, it was amalgamated with Elphin, Roscommon and Drumcliff to form the present diocese of Elphin. From 1144 there was a convent of Arrosian nuns at Ardcarn. It was the leading sheep and wool market in Connacht: Arthur Young described the plains of Boyle as the biggest sheep walk he had ever seen....