Clonmacnoise
A spectacular monastery on the banks of the river Shannon
10:00 - 17:00 Last admission 16:00
Clonmacnoise
A spectacular monastery on the banks of the river Shannon
10:00 - 17:00 Last admission 16:00
Limited Access
Carpark barriers close at 17:00. Access to outside spaces only. Self-guided visit only. Toilets available.
Coffee shop closed.
The use of drones is prohibited.
Bus park closed until further notice due to remodelling works. Car parking is available.
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Clonmacnoise
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 area on display in a purpose built visitor centre adjacent 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 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 23 – 29 December inclusive
Average Length of Visit 1.5 hours.
Seasonal Opening Times
- November – January
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Last admission 16:00
Car Park barrier closes 17:00
- February - Mid March
Daily 10:00 – 17:30
Last admission 16:45
Car Park barrier closes 17:30
- Mid March - October
Daily 10:00 – 17:30
Last admission 17:00
Car Park barrier closes 17:30
Notice
Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.
Closed 23 – 29 December inclusive
Contact
Clonmacnoise
Shannonbridge
Athlone
Co. Offaly
N37 V292
00353 (0)90 9674195
General Enquiries - clonmacnoise@opw.ie , Group reservations: clonmacnoisebookings@opw.ie
Facilities
- Baby Changing
- Bicycle Parking
- Brochure
- Car park
- Coach parking
- 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
Portumna Castle and Gardens
Seventeenth-century splendour on the shores of Lough Derg
Approx. 30.9 km from Clonmacnoise
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
A pathway into the past
Approx. 33.2 km from Clonmacnoise
Roscrea Heritage Centre – Roscrea Castle and Damer House
A place of medieval might and eighteenth-century elegance
Approx. 43.2 km from Clonmacnoise
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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