In the sixth century, St Ciarán erected his monastery on Shannon’s banks. The monastery thrived and grew into a major centre of study, a university in its own right, with students from all across Europe.
A Cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine Churches, and around 700 Early Christian grave slabs are among the ruins.
The ancient high crosses, notably the spectacular 10th century Cross of the Scriptures, are on exhibit in the monastic enclosure’s purpose-built tourist centre.
