Clonmacnoise
Category: Families, Outdoors, Culture, Sightseeing
Type: Castles, Historic Homes & Sites, Visitor Centres, Churches & Cathedrals, General Attractions
Clonmacnoise
Shannonbridge
Co Offaly
Shannonbridge
Co Offaly
Tel: +353 90 967 4195
Please mention ireland-guide.com when enquiring.
Includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe.
Clonmacnoise
Georgina Campbell
Clonmacnoise is an Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The strategic location of the monastery helped it become a major centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade by the 9th century and together with Clonard it was the most famous in Ireland, visited by scholars from all over Europe.
Artisans associated with Clonmacnoise created some of the most beautiful and enduring artworks in metal and stone ever seen in Ireland, with the Clonmacnoise Crozier (on display in the National Museum of Ireland) and the Cross of the Scriptures representing the apex of their efforts.
The Clonmacnoise site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. Most of the churches have recently undergone comprehensive conservation works, mostly re-pointing.
The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region.
Artisans associated with Clonmacnoise created some of the most beautiful and enduring artworks in metal and stone ever seen in Ireland, with the Clonmacnoise Crozier (on display in the National Museum of Ireland) and the Cross of the Scriptures representing the apex of their efforts.
The Clonmacnoise site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. Most of the churches have recently undergone comprehensive conservation works, mostly re-pointing.
The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region.
Opening Time:
Open Daily year round (closed 25&26 Dec); November-mid March 10am-5.30pm; mid March-May 10am-6pm; June-August 9am-7pm; September-October 10am-6pm. Last admission is 45mins before closing.
Admission Charge:
Adults €6; Child/Student €2; OAP/Group €4; Family €14.
Map markers
You are here
Distance
- 10km
- 25km
- 50km
Directions
21km from Athlone signposted from the N62 or 20km from Ballinasloe signposted from the R357.View Similar Tourist Attractions
- Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
- Dublinia
- Leopardstown Racecourse
- Jerpoint Abbey
- Wicklow Mountains National Park
- Kilmainham Gaol
- House of Waterford Crystal
- John F Kennedy Arboretum
- Arigna Mining Experience
- Little Museum of Dublin
- Russborough House
- National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
- Dublin Zoo
- National Wax Museum Plus
- Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
- Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- National Library of Ireland
- Parkes Castle
- Museum at the Mill
- Maynooth Castle
- Pearse Museum & St. Endas Park
- Ceide Fields
- Patrick Pearses Cottage
- Gallarus Oratory & Gallarus Castle
- Tayto Park
- Mizen Head Signal Station
- Larne Museum & Arts Centre
- National Aquatic Centre - AquaZone
- Tintern Abbey
- Aughnanure Castle
- Dingle Oceanworld
- Hugh Lane Gallery
- Cruachan Ai Heritage Centre
- The Old Jameson Distillery
- Funtasia Bettystown
- Viking Splash Tours
- Lahinch Seaworld & Leisure Centre
- Guinness Storehouse
- Clonmacnoise
- Cahir Castle
- Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
- Garylough Mill
- Government Buildings
- Dun Aonghasa
- Tower Museum
- Battle of the Boyne
- National Museum of Ireland - Country Life
- Ferns Castle
- Cliffs of Moher - Visitor Experience
- Chester Beatty Library
- Connemara National Park
- Crag Cave
- Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
- The Hunt Museum
- Dublin Castle
- Galway City Museum
- Casino Marino
- The Blascaoid Centre - Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhoir
- Doolin Cave & Visitor Centre
- Iveagh Gardens
- Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) - Royal Hospital Kilmainham
- Queens University
- National Gallery of Ireland
- Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
- Desmond Hall
- King Johns Castle
- Scattery Island Centre
- Glasnevin Museum
- Boyle Abbey
- Edmund Rice Heritage Centre
- Desmond Castle
- Dromore Wood
- National Leprechaun Museum
- Phoenix Park
- Ballyhack Castle
- Aras an Uachtarain
- Dunmore Cave
- Derrynane House
- Jameson Experience Midleton
- Dwyer McAllister Cottage
- Adare Heritage Centre
- Hill of Tara
- Aillwee Cave
- Kerry County Museum
- Skellig Michael
- Skibbereen Heritage Centre
- Rathfarnham Castle
- Sentry Hill & Visitor Centre
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
- Belfast Zoo
- Emo Court
- Burren National Park
- Trim Castle
- Reginalds Tower
- Waterford & Suir Valley Heritage Railway
- Galway Atlantaquaria
- Mid Antrim Museum at The Braid
- Charles Fort
- Rothe House & Garden
- Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary
- Ballycroy National Park
- Carrickfergus Museum
- Fort Lucan
- Armagh County Museum
- The Main Guard
- Saint Patricks Cathedral
- Avondale House & Forest Park
- Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge
- Bushmills Distillery
- Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
- The Ark
- Somme Heritage Centre
- Glenveagh National Park
- The Burren Centre - Gateway to the Burren
- Cobh Heritage Centre
- Glebe House & Gallery - The Derek Hill Collection
- Dungarvan Castle
- Malahide Castle
- Hook Lighthouse & Heritage Centre
- Newgrange & Knowth - Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre
- Glendalough
- Adare Castle
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Dublin City Hall - Story of the Capital
- Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium
- Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship Famine Museum
- Doneraile Wildlife Park
- Caherconnell Fort
- St Marys Abbey
- Eagles Flying
- Imaginosity - Dublins Children Museum
- National Concert Hall
- Craggaunowen - The Living Past
- Ennis Friary
- Natural History Museum
- Swiss Cottage
- Portumna Castle & Gardens
- Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre
- Sligo Abbey
- Marble Arch Caves & Global Geopark
- Famine Warhouse
- National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
- Phoenix Park Visitor Centre - Ashtown Castle
- The Science Gallery
- National Transport Museum
- Ulster Museum
- Dunbrody Famine Ship
- Navan Centre & Fort
- Funtasia Waterpark
- Ros Tapestry Exhibition Centre
- Dan OHaras Heritage & History Centre
- National Sea Life Centre
- Croke Park & GAA Museum
- Kilbeggan Distillery Experience
- Kilkenny Castle
- Giants Causeway
- Farmleigh House & Estate
- Titanic Belfast
- St Marys Church
- National Photographic Archive
- Aviva Stadium
- Donegal Castle
- Ardfert Cathedral
- Rock of Cashel
- Ross Castle
- Lusk Heritage Centre
- Xtreme.ie - Adventure Centre
- Foynes Flying Boat Museum
- Donegal County Museum
- Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
- Skerries Mills
- Westport House, Gardens & Pirate Adventure Park
- Ormond Castle
- Old Mellifont Abbey
- Killarney National Park
- Newmills Corn & Flax Mills
- Armagh Planetarium
- Enniskillen Castle Museum
- Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
- Castlecomer Discovery Park
- Muckross House & Gardens & Traditional Farm
- Barryscourt Castle
- Clare Museum
- VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art & The George Bernard Shaw Theatre
- Coole Park
- Florence Court
- Roscrea Castle & Heritage Centre
- St Stephens Green
- Castle Ward House & Demesne
- Number Twenty Nine - Georgian House Museum
- Castletown House
- Ulster American Folk Park
- Thomond Park Stadium
- Skellig Experience Visitor Centre
- Athenry Castle
- The Butlers Chocolate Experience
- Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre
- King House
- Listowel Castle
- Blarney Castle
Local Recommendations
Hospitality
- Village Tavern, The
(6.1km)SW - Athlone Springs Hotel
(11.1km)NE - Meadowsweet Apiaries
(11.2km)SE - Kin Khao Thai Restaurant
(11.3km)NE - Al Mezza
(11.4km)NE - Left Bank Bistro, The
(11.4km)NE - Sean's Bar
(11.4km)NE - Beans and Leaves
(11.6km)NE - Thyme Restaurant
(11.6km)NE - Fatted Calf, The
(11.6km)NE - Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone
(11.7km)NE - Sheraton Athlone
(11.7km)NE - Clanwood Farm
(13.0km)SE - J.J.Hough
(14.9km)SE - Flynns Bar & Restaurant
(14.9km)SE - Bo Bristle Brewing Company
(15.1km)SE - Carlton Shearwater
(15.2km)NW - Coolfin Gardens Organic Bakery
(15.2km)SE - Kariba's Restaurant & Coffee House
(15.6km)NW - Beechlawn Organic Farm
(15.8km)SW
Self Catering
- The Stone Cottage
(30.1km)SW - Roundwood House - The Forge & The Cottage
(45.3km)SE
Farmers Markets
- Athlone - County Westmeath - Saturdays
(11.4km)NE - Ballinasloe - County Galway - Fridays
(15.2km)NW - Birr - The Full Moon - Co Offaly - every 3rd Sunday
(25.8km)SE - Tullamore Country Fair - County Offaly - Saturdays
(33.1km)SE - Roscommon - Co Roscommon - Fridays
(36.7km)NW - Mountbellew Local Food - Co Galway - Wednesday
(37.8km)NW - Loughrea - Co Galway - Thursday
(40.9km)SW - Longford - Co Longford - Fridays
(46.4km)NE - Mullingar - County Westmeath - Sundays
(48.7km)NE - Portlaoise - Co Laois - Fridays
(56.1km)SE
Tourist Attractions
-
Clonmacnoise
(0.0km)SE -
Portumna Castle & Gardens
(30.3km)SE -
Kilbeggan Distillery Experience
(32.8km)SE -
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
(33.6km)SE -
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
(38.0km)SE -
Roscrea Castle & Heritage Centre
(43.0km)SE
Golf Courses
- Athlone Golf Club
(15.6km) NE - Glasson Hotel & Golf Club
(17.9km) NE - Mount Temple Golf Club
(18.5km) NE - Birr Golf Club
(22.7km) SE - Esker Hills Golf Club
(28.6km) SE - Tullamore Golf Club
(32.4km) SE - New Forest Golf Club
(39.2km) NE - Mullingar Golf Club
(45.5km) NE - Nenagh Golf Club
(47.7km) SW
Gardens
- Birr Castle Demesne
(25.8km)SE - Castlecoote House & Gardens
(38.1km)NW - Bellefield
(38.2km)SE - Belvedere House, Gardens & Park
(45.3km)NE - Gash Gardens
(50.9km)SE - Tullynally Castle & Gardens
(58.4km)NE - Heywood Gardens
(67.2km)SE
Nearby Towns/Areas
- Shannonbridge
(6.1km) SW - Shannonbridge
(6.1km) SW - Athlone
(11.4km) NE - Cloghan
(13.0km) SE - Banagher
(14.9km) SE - Ballinasloe
(15.4km) NW - Glasson
(18.4km) NE - Moate
(19.6km) NE - Lecarrow
(24.9km) NW - Birr
(25.6km) SE
Apps and Books
-
From Tide to Table by Georgina Campbell
Paperback edition of From Tide to Table - Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Buying, Prep ...more... -
Georgina Campbell's Ireland - The Best of the Best
A selective companion guide to our famous broad-based online collection, the ‘glovebox bib ...more...
Comments
There are currently no comments
Leave a comment
Not a member? Register for your free membership now!
Or leave a comment by logging in with: