Clare Island Cistercian Abbey

Known as St. Bridget's Abbey

Notice

Clare Island Abbey is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works

WARNING: It should be noted that these sites are unguided and a level of care and caution should be maintained during all stages of your visit. The Office Of Public Works (OPW) will not be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur

Clare Island Cistercian Abbey

This medieval church is significant for the extent of its surviving medieval wall paintings. Officially known as St. Bridget’s Abbey it is more correctly termed a Cell.

It is suggested its original building dates from the early 13^th century. The current building is dated as being from the 15^th century. The Cell became part of the possessions of Abbeyknockmoy in Co. Galway, to which it appears to have been a daughter house or cell. The building contains tombs of the local ruling family, the O’Malleys.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014