Inis Cathaigh, National monument island in County Clare, Ireland
Inis Cathaigh is an island in the Shannon estuary featuring six ruined churches, a cathedral, and a 36-meter round tower near Kilrush. These structures form the remains of an early medieval monastic settlement scattered across the island.
The monastery on the island was founded by Saint Senan in the 6th century and withstood Viking invasions before Brian Boru regained control of the area. These shifts in power shaped the place's long history.
The island displays early Irish Christian architecture through its religious structures, and visitors can see graves of former inhabitants at Teampall na Marbh church. This site reveals how people lived here across centuries and honored their deceased.
The island is accessible by boat services from Kilrush between June and September, with guided tours lasting about 90 minutes. The grounds are open and fairly level, so visitors can explore the ruins easily on foot.
The round tower has an unusual ground-level entrance, different from the typically elevated doorways found in other Irish towers. This feature makes it a striking example of local building practices from that era.
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