Clare Island Abbey

Clare Island Abbey features a rectangular nave, a two-story tower, and a chancel with detailed medieval wall paintings depicting various scenes and figures.

The abbey, established in the 13th century, became connected to Knockmoy Abbey in 1224 and underwent reconstruction around 1460 under the O'Malley family.

The interior walls display medieval paintings of dragons, stags, men on horseback, and a harper, representing one of the four remaining examples in Ireland.

Visitors can reach the abbey by taking a ferry from Roonagh Pier to Clare Island, followed by a one-kilometer walk west from Clare Island Pier.

The chancel houses a canopied tomb attributed to Grace O'Malley, along with a wall plaque displaying the O'Malley family coat of arms.

Location: County Mayo

Inception: 1224

GPS coordinates: 53.79323,-9.98909

Latest update: March 4, 2025 20:29