Clonmacnoise Monastery

Clonmacnoise Abbey is one of Ireland's most important early Christian monuments. The cloister complex is situated on the River Shannon in County Athlone. The ruins of the cathedral from the 10th century, the Romanesque church, the round tower and the cemetery with beautifully decorated Celtic crosses have survived to our times.

The monastery was founded in 545 by Saint Kiaran. It was one of the most important monastic centers of Ireland, a cultural center and the burial place of kings Tara and Connacht. Among other things, the famous ruler Rory O'Connor is buried here. The monastery was famous for the art of rewriting and illustrating books.

Today, Clonmacnoise is a picturesque ruin on the shores of Shannon. The round tower topped with a pointed cupola is in a very good condition. There are also remains of the 12th century cathedral and a small church from the 10th century. The buildings are surrounded by a cemetery. So-called high crosses can be seen here. They are decorated with Celtic patterns. The most famous of them is the "Cross of the Scriptures", on which, apart from decorations, there is a scene of the Crucifixion, the Last Judgment, Christ in the Tomb and the positioning of the cross by the abbot and the king.