Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise, in Irish, Cluain Mhic Nóis, early Christian community in County Offaly, Ireland. Founded by St Ciaran in 548, it was an important centre of learning in medieval Ireland, producing many treasured manuscripts, including the Book of the Dun Cow (now in the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin). The monastery was the burial place of the kings of Connaught and Tara, including the last high king of Ireland, Rory O’Connor (died 1198). The site’s location, surrounded by bog on the bank of the River Shannon, helped it to withstand attacks by Irish, Viking, and Anglo-Norman marauders until it was finally destroyed by the English garrison stationed at Athlone in 1552. Notable ruins include the cathedral, erected in 904 and rebuilt in the 14th century; a 10th-century high cross; two round towers; and a nearby Norman castle, built in the 12th century to command the river crossing. A pilgrimage from Clonmacnoise to Ciaran is held annually in September.