Inishcaltra Monastic Site

Early in the 7^th century, there was a man who decided to live a life of seclusion. Situating himself on the picturesque island of Inishcaltra in Lough Derg, Caimin led a peaceful life that attracted many people to follow his example. To facilitate this teaching and influx of people to the island, Caimin founded a monastery, which became known as “one of the asylums of Ireland”. It was around 658 that St. Caimin died. 

Unfortunately in 836 and 922 the island was attacked on both occasions by the Vikings (Danes), with many of the monks being killed in the first attack.

In 908, one of Ireland’s most well-known High King’s, Brian Boru, had a church built on the island, as his brother was an Abbot on Inishcaltra.

Today the island holds the remains of six churches, including St. Caimin’s Church, St. Michael’s Church, and St. Brigid’s Church, and a cemetery.

The round tower, which is 80ft tall, does not have a roof, and it is believed that this was always the case, that it is not the result of disrepair.

There is also what is known as a ‘bargaining stone’ on the island, known for sealing deals, most notably marriages. People would shake hands through the gap in the stone, therefore making their agreement binding.

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