Clonmacnoise & Shannon Trail
Offaly
About This Route
Clonmacnoise was one of Europe's greatest monastic cities - a university and pilgrimage destination that drew scholars from across the medieval world. This route explores the monastery and the Shannon waterway that made it accessible.
Why This Route?
Clonmacnoise is Ireland's finest monastic site:
- Monastic city - Founded 544 AD, flourished for 600 years
- High crosses - Exceptional carved crosses
- Round towers - Two survive
- Shannon setting - River access made it a crossroads
- Atmospheric - Evocative of early Christian Ireland
Clonmacnoise
Founded by St Ciarán in 544 AD, Clonmacnoise became one of Europe's premier centres of learning. Its position on the Shannon, at the meeting of land and water routes, made it wealthy and cosmopolitan.
What Survives
- Cathedral - Largest building, much altered
- Temple Connor - Romanesque church
- Temple Ciarán - Saint's traditional burial place
- Temple Dowling - Smallest church
- Round towers - O'Rourke's Tower and McCarthy's Tower
- High crosses - Cross of the Scriptures, South Cross
- Visitor centre - Excellent exhibition, original crosses displayed
The Route
Starting from Tullamore
The Offaly county town has:
- Tullamore D.E.W. distillery (tours and tasting)
- Grand Canal harbour
- Charleville Castle (Gothic Revival castle)
Clara
A small town on the River Brosna with wetland nature reserve.
Clonmacnoise
Allow 2-3 hours for the site:
- Start at visitor centre
- Watch audio-visual presentation
- Explore the ruins
- Cross of the Scriptures (indoor, with original)
- Riverside walk
Shannon Callows
The flood meadows along the Shannon are important for:
- Rare corncrake (endangered bird)
- Breeding waders
- Traditional hay meadows
- Winter flooding (not accessible)
Shannonbridge
A village where the Shannon is bridged:
- Historic bridge
- Fortifications from Napoleonic era
- Traditional pubs
Clonony Castle
A tower house on the bog edge with unusual features.
Banagher
A Shannon town with:
- Charlotte Brontë connection (her husband was curate here)
- River cruising and boat hire
- Seven-arch bridge
- Traditional pubs
Birr (Optional Extension)
Extend into the Birr Castle Demesne for:
- Historic telescope
- Science centre
- Gardens and parkland
The Monastery's Decline
Clonmacnoise was raided repeatedly by Vikings, Irish kings, and finally destroyed by English forces in 1552. By then, it had survived a thousand years.
Walking
Clonmacnoise Trails
Several marked trails from the visitor centre including:
- Pilgrim's Road
- Esker path to new graveyard
- Riverside walk
Shannon Callows
Limited access but some paths near Shannonbridge.
Shannon Cruising
The Shannon is Ireland's longest river and a major cruising waterway. Options from Banagher include:
- Day boat hire
- Cruiser rentals (multi-day)
- River cruises
Practical Tips
- Clonmacnoise - OPW site; check opening times
- Original crosses - Displayed in visitor centre (replicas outside)
- Shannon floods - Winter callows often inaccessible
- Tullamore D.E.W. - Book distillery tours
- Birr - Worth extending if time allows
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
