Clonmacnoise is the place at the centre of Ireland to which St Ciarán came in the mid 6th century to found his monastery. The exact year is uncertain as sources vary, suggesting dates between 543 ...

"This site beside the old church and graveyard dates back 1,300 years and we know from previous discoveries in the area that there has been human activity going back to at least 5800 BC," he said.

OPW Heritage Sites - Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly Updated / Monday, 27 Jul 2020 09:55 Saint Ciarán founded an abbey at Clonmacnoise nearly 1,500 years ago on the eastern bank of the River Shannon.