monastic sites sligo

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...

Distributed over many acres and extending into adjoining townlands, Carrowmore represents the largest grouping of megalithic monuments in Ireland, and immense Neolithic burial ground where once there may have been more than a hundred tombs. Casual exploration in the last century and present day gravel quarrying in the vicinity have devalued the archaeological potential of the site; but it is still a rewarding place to visit, steeped in atmosphere and evoking a sense of the past.
The s...

Visit the ruins of Achonry Monastery, founded by St Finian of Clonard in the 6th century , 6.5km (4mls) to the north east of the town. St Nathy's Church of Ireland Cathedral is now built on the site....

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...