Dublin Excursions
Clonmacnoise
Clonmacnoise
Situated in Shannonbridge, west of Dublin in County Offaly,
Clonmacnoise is Ireland's most important monastic site. Founded by
Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon
it includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th
century), two round towers and three high crosses. It provides the
visitor with a real sense of what monasteries must have been like
in their day. The Visitor Centre displays a large collection of
grave slabs, hosts numerous exhibitions and provides further
interest with an audio-visual show. As this is a very popular
attraction, visitors may experience queues during the summer
months.
Address: 120 miles (200km) west of Dublin in Shannonbridge, County Offaly.;
Telephone: (905) 74195;
Opening time: Daily 10am to 5.30pm (November to mid-March), 10am to 6pm (mid-March to mid-May, and September to October), 9am to 7pm (mid-May to September);
Admission: €6 (adult) and €2 (child), concessions available
