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Clonmacnoise, County Offaly

4.5
#1 of 8 in Historic Sites in County Offaly
Church · Hidden Gem · Historic Site
A preserved ruin along the Shannon River set against green and rolling hills, Clonmacnoise offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the monasteries in Ireland. Founded in 546 CE by Saint Ciarán, the monastery was a center of learning and trade for over 600 years until it began to decline around the 12th century due to a diminishing population. Visit many of the ruined and partially ruined buildings on the site, including temple Finghín and McCarthy's tower, cross of the scriptures, and the cathedral, where the last High King of Ireland is buried. Many kings from Meath, Tara, and Connacht were buried at this site. Explore the visitor center for a comprehensive history of the site. Use our County Offaly trip builder app to add Clonmacnoise and other attractions to your County Offaly vacation plans.
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Tours to Clonmacnoise

FROM $1,058 BOOK WITH VIATOR 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
4.8
Duration: 5 days
Tours from $1,058 »
FROM $1,037 BOOK WITH VIATOR Cliffs of Moher Private Full Day Tour From Dublin
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
Tours from $1,037 »
FROM $1,058 BOOK WITH VIATOR Cliffs of Moher, Galway - Private Shore Excursion
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
Tours from $1,058 »
FROM $10,424 BOOK WITH VIATOR Self-Drive of Ireland - The Wild Atlantic Wanderer
Duration: 6 days
Tours from $10,424 »
FROM $3,257 BOOK WITH VIATOR Self-Drive of Ireland - The Greenway Tour
Duration: 8 days
Tours from $3,257 »
FROM $10,386 BOOK WITH VIATOR Self-Drive of Ireland - The Emerald Tour
Duration: 7 days
Tours from $10,386 »
FROM $10,424 BOOK WITH VIATOR Self-Drive of Ireland- The South & West Wanderer
Duration: 8 days
Tours from $10,424 »
FROM $1,816 BOOK WITH VIATOR 7 Day Emerald Explorer Small Group of tour of Ireland
Duration: 7 days
Tours from $1,816 »

Clonmacnoise reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,024 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By 606darrenc
    An enchanting place. Wonderful history and some quite beautiful headstones and architecture. Not completely open due to COVID but still worth a visit.  more »
  • By joannewC8965NV
    The atmosphere in Clonmacnoise was magical. It was such a beautiful and peaceful place. The handout was much appreciated but maybe a map could be added to it. There is a map at the start of the walk.....  more »
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Google
  • By Paul McAuley
    The atmosphere is superb. You feel the saints of old are close to you here. The people on duty are delightful and very enthusiastic about their work and the site. It is really well thought out with a very good film and display boards which help you to appreciate what you are seeing. The museum which houses the three high crosses is excellent. It is well worth a lengthy detour to make a visit. Especially if you approach as a pilgrim.
  • By Ryan Oshaughnessy
    Absolutely one of my favorite places I've visited on this trip. A site of incredible historical relevance that is well maintained and has a very informative little museum attached. One particularly striking feature for me was the sense of peace here, and there are so many interesting tidbits of information that make it a worthwhile stop for any history enthusiast. I will definitely return when I can.
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