Our first day tour stop on the way to Galway was the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, another Irish location loaded with History. As we pulled in, a derelict Norman Castle greeted us from the parking lot. St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th Century. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a University of its time with students from all over Europe. It was also noted for its illuminated manuscripts and skilled craftsmanship. The monastic ruins were abandoned in the 13th Century. The ruins include a Cathedral, two round Towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 Early Christian grave slabs. The original high crosses, including the magnificent 10th century Cross of the Scriptures are on display in a purpose built visitor centre adjacent to the monastic enclosure. The visitor centre is a must, with the introduction video recommended. One thing I picked up here was learning the difference between a cemetery and a graveyards, of which the latter are always linked to the adjacent Church. Another attraction (beside the pretty view of the River) is the small pavilion where Pope John Paul II hosted Mass in September of 1979. There was a certain peace to this place as Gayle and I walked along. read more

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It's wild to think about just how old this site is...my mind can barely fathom it. But the beautiful remains of old churches, lookout towers and grave markings all tell a story. There is a lot of history here and absolutely worthy of a visit and some respect for the people who have lived and died here. The tour guides will share some interesting stories and facts; all worth hearing and appreciating. Be sure to visit the museum to learn a little more and to see the original crosses (replicas replaced them outside to protect them from weather). read more

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Clonmacnoise brought me to tears. We first learned the significance of the site in the visitor center and laid eyes on the original three high crosses. The visitor center was not shy in detailing the strife that Clonmacnoise had endured over the centuries - From British imperialism to brutal raids. So after learning & imagining the lives of Irish settlers & monks from centuries ago, it was an honor to step outside & wander around their home. It wasn't difficult to feel a connection to the generations of humans who once lived in Clonmacnoise. And my god, the beauty of it all. The ancient monastic site overlooks the serene River Shannon. The stonework of the cathedrals, churches, & round towers endured the test of time. In early May, the blooming mother of thyme covered the ancient stones in lush purple flowers. The dappled light, soft breeze, & sweet birdsongs... It was all too much for this emotional Irish lad. I just had to cry. Entry to Clonmacnoise cost €8 - & an extra €1 for a paper guide. We were left to our own agency to explore which just heightened the wonderment of it all. Thank you Heritage Ireland for taking such good care of this 6th century city & for allowing us to experience it. I will be back! read more

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Definitely worth the visit. I loved the ruins and the story behind it all. The high crosses are so fascinating too. There's such a rich history here. It's worht the drive and there's a film and a gallery. Then you're free to roam the grounds. Student and senior discounts available. Make time to watch the film and then self guide ... This is Ireland! read more

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If you're in the area, this is pretty to see. The grounds are gorgeous!! You can walk around freely and experience the beauty of it all. There's a whispering arch that's pretty cool. Head straight through to the grounds and complete the visit in around 30 minutes. read more

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Peaceful, serene site. Breathtaking views. We enjoyed the short film they showed about the history of the site. It's not super exciting for small children...nothing for them to do. read more

Clonmacnoise - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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Probably not the most visited of Irish Historical Sites, more of a hidden gem really. I didn't know of it until I was consulting with the Principal on a new itinerary for our Ireland trip. This would be on our way to the West Coast of Ireland, so I looked it up and began planning. Getting to the site, particularly in a coach is not the most straightforward, but we did get there. When you pull into the car park, there are some lovely ruins of a Norman castle. When you arrive, there is a Tourism Center across from the site. The entrance to the site and the ticket building is lovely. There is one member of staff that was really friendly to our group, but the rest of the staff seemed to be... a bit hesitant and put off by our group. I don't know why, but that is the reason that I took a star off. In the two times that I made bookings for our groups and led the groups, the staff weren't particularly helpful and trying to get a receipt for the group was almost impossible too. We were ushered into watch a film about Clonmacnoise and then ushered outside into a tour. Honestly... if you have limited time (like we did) or you don't want to hear the same history twice, chose one or the other, but don't feel the need to do both the film and the tour. In fact I would say the tour is better because along with the history of the site they will take you around and point out items of interest. In the building there is more information about some of the items and the site. If the weather is not particularly good, make sure you bring some sturdy shoes as it will be soggy and a bit muddy walking through the ruins. It is a beautiful site though and I think if you are in the neighborhood, you really should stop by. My favourite bit is the Whispering Arch. It is carved so that if one person stands at each end of the arch and one whispers into the arch, the other person will hear it. I am not sure what peak times look like, but we always visited as soon as they opened on Thursdays and it is a good time as there is no one else there. It is lovely and peaceful in the morning and very mysterious with the dew and morning fog in the air. read more

There's no beating Clonmacnoise. A virtually intact site of a medieval monastic 'city' really gives an idea of how life was on the Island of Saints and scholars. Even beter, the abscence of annoying visitor centres and guided tours mean you can discover this magic spot by yourself. One of Ireland's real gems. read more

The guided tour in english was very informative and the guide pronounced very well. With the film in the museum you can imagine how the monks lived in the middle ages. read more