Derrynaflan Monastic Site

The ancient monastic site of Derrynaflan is a small dry island surrounded by bogland. Founded in the 6^th century by St. Ruahan of Lorrhain, originally it was named Doire-Eidnigh: Oak wood of the Ivy. Its present name is associated with two 9^th century clerics: Fland mac Duib Thuinne of Dairinis, who died in 821, and Fland mac Fairchellaig, who died in 825. Derrynaflan in Irish is ‘Doire na bhflann’ meaning ‘The Oak wood of the Flanns’. It is believed the monastic site thrived between the 8^th and 10^th century when it was associated with the Celi Dé movement. As with many prosperous monastic settlements, they became targets of raids by the Vikings. Given that Derrynaflan looks to have gone into decline by the late 9^th century, it seems feasible that Viking raids may have played a part in that decline. In the late 17^th and early 18^th century, a Franciscan friary seems to have occupied the island, but was abandoned after 1724.

The church dates across two periods: the multi-period nave and chancel is built from limestone, the chancel dating to the 13^th century. A round-headed Romanesque sandstone piscine, trefoil headed windows and bullaun stone are all found within the chancel. Very little remains of the nave, only a portion of walls and a possible antae.

The Derrynaflan Hoard refers to the five liturgical vessels that were discovered in 1980. It is most likely the items were buried from an incoming sacking and pillaging from either the Vikings or an Irish clan. The items were a silver chalice, known as the Derrynaflan Chalice, a paten known as the Derrynaflan paten, a bronze liturgical strainer, a silver hoop, and a bronze basin, all described as the most important examples of insular metalwork. All are now on display in the National Museum of Ireland.

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