Clonmacnoise was founded in 550 AD by Saint Ciaran who erected a small wooden church here as well as some wattle huts with a very small community. Because of its auspicious location at the crossroads of two major medieval traffic routes, this Irish monastery became bigger and more important than any other at the time. History
Full Answer
Where is the Clonmacnoise?
/ 53.32389°N 7.99111°W / 53.32389; -7.99111 Clonmacnoise ( Cluain Mhic Nóis in Irish) is a ruined monastery situated in County Offaly in Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone, founded in 544 by Saint Ciarán, a young man from Rathcroghan, County Roscommon. Until the 9th century it had close associations with the kings of Connacht .
What does Clonmacnoise mean in Irish?
Clonmacnoise. The monastery of Clonmacnoise ( Cluain Mhic Nóis in Irish, meaning "Meadow of the Sons of Nós", or perhaps, albeit less likely, Cluain Muccu Nóis "Meadow of the Pigs of Nós") is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone . Clonmacnoise was founded in 544 by St.
What happened to Clonmacnoise’s treasures?
Many treasures were taken though during the numerous times that Clonmacnoise was attacked and raided. In its’ 1,400 years of being an important monastic centre, the monastery was attacked 8 times by the Vikings, 27 times by other forces such as Irish kings, the Normans and by other monasteries. The monks rebuilt the settlement after each attack.
Who is responsible for Clonmacnoise?
Clonmacnoise was handed over by the Church of Ireland to the Irish Government in 1955 and has been maintained by various departmental bodies since then. Currently the Office of Public Works manages the site on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Local Government.
What was Clonmacnoise's main purpose?
Learning and Crafts. Clonmacnoise became a centre for teaching and education and drew scholars from as far afield as Britain and continental Europe. It was a major centre for the production of manuscripts.
What were the works of Clonmacnoise?
There were important stone carving workshops at Clonmacnoise which produced High Crosses as well as grave slabs. There were metalworking workshops, too, which produced some beautiful treasures that can be seen at the National Museum, such as the crosier of the Abbots.
What was the oldest bridge in Ireland?
By the 9th century a bridge was built across the river Shannon made of heavy timbers. The bridge was 120m long and 4m wide. This was Ireland's oldest significant bridge. (A model of it can be seen at the visitors centre.) On the other side of the river, the settlement continued. Archaeologists have found evidence of a medieval hostelry there indicating that Clonmacnoise drew many pilgrims.
How many times was Clonmacnoise attacked?
Many treasures were taken though during the numerous times that Clonmacnoise was attacked and raided. In its’ 1,400 years of being an important monastic centre, the monastery was attacked 8 times by the Vikings, 27 times by other forces such as Irish kings, the Normans and by other monasteries. The monks rebuilt the settlement after each attack.
Why was the Irish monastery so important?
Because of its auspicious location at the crossroads of two major medieval traffic routes, this Irish monastery became bigger and more important than any other at the time.
How are the Monasterboice crosses similar?
It is very similar in content and finish to another High Cross at Monasterboice. Peter Harbison who has studied these crosses in great detail has proposed that both crosses are similar in age, might have originated in the same workshop, and might be much than originally thought, dating them to the 9th century.
Why are the three high crosses kept inside the museum?
The museum at the visitor centre features three high crosses which are now kept inside to protect them from the elements. The crosses seen outside are replicas.
What was the impact of Clonmacnoise on the development of the nearby town of Athlone?
Athlone’s prominence decreased foot traffic through Clonmacnoise and led to the departure of much of the surrounding community to this newfound centre, leaving the monks isolated and struggling for the next few centuries. Finally, in 1552, the English attacked what remained of the monastery, and it was destroyed, never to be lived in again.
Where is Clonmacnoise in Ireland?
An Early Christian monastery dating back to the 6th century, Clonmacnoise in County Offaly was once one of the most important religious and scholarly locations in Europe. A world-famous historical tourist attraction, the monastic site was visited by Pope John Paul II during his 1979 visit to Ireland, and it welcomed nearly 160,000 visitors in 2015 alone.
Who founded the Monastery of Clonmacnoise?
The monastery was established in 544 by Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, one of the twelve early Irish monastic saints that also included Saint Columba of Iona. Both had trained at Clonard Abbey under Saint Finnian, one of the pioneers of the monasticism that would become an important element of Irish cultural identity. Though he was its first abbot, Saint Ciarán’s time at the monastery was short-lived, as he died of the plague shortly after its foundation.
What was the significance of the monastery in Ireland?
In spite of the loss of Saint Ciarán, the monastery prospered. Its Midlands location at the meeting point of the Shannon River and the prominent east-west road made it a strategic hub for modern Christianity in Ireland at the time, attracting religious scholars from across the country and wider Europe. From the 8th century onwards, as attacks on monasteries became more regular, its old wooden buildings were replaced with stone. During the 800s, the monastery became allied with the powerful Kingdom of Meath, no doubt upping its status and leading to the site becoming a burial ground for many High Kings of Tara and Connacht. The population had grown to around 2,000 men by the beginning of the 11th century, and it was held in equally high esteem as Clonard for learning.
About Clonmacnoise
The ‘Lost City’ of Clonmacnoise in County Offaly could be described as Ireland’s first true city, founded in the 6th century by St Ciaran.
History of Clonmacnoise
St Ciaran established Clonmacnoise in 544, at the ancient crossroads of Ireland at the junction of the River Shannon and the Eiscir Riada. Along with Diarmait Uí Cerbaill , he built a simple wooden church on the site – when he died, just 5 years later, he was reportedly buried there. Today, a stone oratory stands on the spot.
Clonmacnoise today
The ruins of the city are still very much visible today, and take a good hour or so to explore on foot. The site is well-run, and managed by Heritage Ireland (OPW), with some remarkable 10th century stone crosses still on display. Some have been moved into the snazzy visitor centre on site to better protect them from the elements.
Getting to Clonmacnoise
Clonmacnoise is located just of the R444, about 20km east of Ballinasloe. Public transport is in short supply in this part of the world: unless you plan on hitching, you’ll need to come on an organised tour here from Dublin, Galway or Athlone if you don’t have your own car.
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Clonmacnoise
Carpark barriers close at 17:00. Access to outside spaces only. Self-guided visit only. Toilets available. Coffee shop closed. The use of drones is prohibited. Bus park closed until further notice due to remodelling works. Car parking is available.
Clonmacnoise
St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6 th Century. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a University of its time with students from all over Europe.
Where is Clonmacnoise in Ireland?
The monastery of Clonmacnoise (meaning Meadow of the Sons of Nós) is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone. It was visited by the Pope in 1979. The site can be visited for a fee, via an Interpretative Centre.
What is the name of the cross at Clonmacnois?
The most famous, the Cross of the Scriptures, also known as King Flann's Cross, is the centre-piece of the new interpretive centre.