Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
A spectacular monastery on the banks of the river Shannon
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
A spectacular monastery on the banks of the river Shannon
November 2024
Due to essential maintenance works in the visitor centre the reception / information area will closed for November. This will require a temporary entrance / exit while the work is being carried out. The site & museum will be accessible during this time.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Admission
Adult: €8.00
Group/Senior: €6.00
Child/Student: €4.00
Family: €20.00
It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance of your visit through the link below.
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Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
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.
The ruins include a Cathedral, two round Towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 Early Christian graveslabs.
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.
An audiovisual presentation will give you an insight into the history of this hallowed space.
Highlights
Gallery
Temple Ciarán 
Clonmacnoise Cathedral and the Cross of the Scriptures 
The original High Crosses and a selection of the graveslabs are now on display in a purpose built exhibition area while replica crosses are on display onsite. 
Located 300 metres east of the main complex at Clonmacnoise, the Nun's Church ranks amongst the finest examples of Hiberno-Romanesque architecture in Ireland 
Clonmacnoise Gravestone 
One of the lowest swift nest sites on record was found in the Round Tower at Clonmacnoise in County Offaly. The nest is at waist height, which is unusually low for the species!
Opening Times
Open all year, apart from Christmas
Closed 24, 25, 26 December
Average Length of Visit 1.5 hours.
Car park barrier closed outside of business hours.
Car parking is available for pre-booked Tours/ customers only.
No overnight parking.
Notice
Car park barrier closed outside of business hours.
Car parking is available for pre-booked Tours/ customers only.
Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.
Seasonal Opening Times
- 1 November – 31 January
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Last admission 16:00
Car Park barrier closes 17:00
- 1 February - 12 March
Daily 10:00 – 17:30
Last admission 17:00
Car Park barrier closes 17:30
- 13 March - 31 May
Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 17:30
Car Park barrier closes 18:00
- 1 June - 31 August
Daily 09:00 – 18:30
Last admission 18:00
Car Park barrier closes 18:30
- 1 September- 31 October
Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 17:30
Car Park barrier closes 18:00
Contact
Clonmacnoise
Shannonbridge
Athlone
Co. Offaly
N37 V292
00353 (0)90 9674195
General Enquiries - clonmacnoise@opw.ie , Group reservations: clonmacnoisebookings@opw.ie
Getting Here
21km from Athlone signposted from the N62 or 20km from Ballinasloe signposted from the R357.
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Baby Changing
- Bicycle Parking
- Brochure
- Car park
- Card Accepted
- Coach parking
- Picnic Area
- Toilets
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet
- WiFi
Restrictions
- Appropriate footwear
- Assistance dogs only
- Drones are prohibited
- Low Doorways
- No Drones
- Uneven Surfaces
Nearby sites to visit
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
Portumna Castle and Gardens
Seventeenth-century splendour on the shores of Lough Derg
Approx. 30.9 km from Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
Corlea Iron Age Roadway and Visitor Centre
A pathway into the past
Approx. 33.2 km from Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
Roscommon Castle-South West Tower
A dramatic and imposing thirteenth Century Norman Castle
Approx. 36.8 km from Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
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Resources
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Clonmacnoise. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Clonmacnoise.
Download the Social Guide