Canon Island Abbey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Canon Island Abbey
Native name Irish: Mainistir Oileán na gCanánach'
The ruins of Canon Island Abbey, 1893
Location	Canon Island, County Clare, Ireland
Built	circa 1189
National Monument of Ireland
Reference no.	195
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Canon Island Abbey (also known as Canons' Island Abbey) is a ruined Augustinian monastery in County Clare, Ireland. It is located on the very northeast part of Canon Island (Inisgad), which is in the River Shannon.

History of the Abbey

Canon Island was once called Elanagranoch. The abbey was started in the late 1100s. In 1189, a king named Domnall Mór Ua Briain gave the 270-acre island to a group of monks. These monks were called Augustinian Canons from Clare Abbey.

Early Years and Challenges

We don't have many written records about the abbey until the late 1300s. In 1393, a special letter from the Pope (the leader of the Catholic Church) described the abbey as being "destroyed." It said that its buildings, books, and valuable items were in ruins.

The Pope's letter offered "indulgences" to anyone who would help fix the abbey. An indulgence was a way to reduce punishment for sins. This was meant to encourage people to donate money or help with repairs. Even though the land was given by Clare Abbey, Canon Island Abbey was its own separate community.

Changes and Dissolution

The monastery did well for a while. However, things changed in 1540 when King Henry VIII of England decided to close down many monasteries. This was called the "dissolution" of the monasteries.

After this, Canon Island, the monastery, and its money were given to Donogh O'Brien, 4th Earl of Thomond. By 1577, the island belonged to Queen Elizabeth.

Attack and Decline

The monks continued to live on the island even after the abbey was officially closed. But in 1651, soldiers loyal to Oliver Cromwell attacked the island. Cromwell was a powerful English leader.

During the attack, the abbey was bombed, and some monks were killed. After this, the monastery could no longer function as a religious center.

Later Years and Revival

Over the next few centuries, ownership of the island passed through different families. The most people living on the island at one time was 54 in 1841. By 1966, no one lived on Canon Island anymore.

However, since 1990, something special happens every July. People who are descendants of islanders and villagers from nearby areas travel to Canon Island. They celebrate a church service (mass) at the old abbey ruins.

What the Abbey Looks Like Now

Canon Island Abbey is found on Canon Island in County Clare, Ireland. The island is in the River Shannon, which is a very important river. It's about 2.5 kilometers east of a village called Kildysart.

Canon Island is the largest of 25 small islands in the area where the Shannon and Fergus rivers meet the sea. The ruins of the abbey are on the northeast side of the island.

Remaining Buildings

The abbey buildings that are still standing include:

• A church with old-style Romanesque windows.
• Two small chapels connected to the church.
• A bell tower.
• A cloister, which is an open courtyard usually surrounded by covered walkways where monks would walk and meditate.
• A large square tower.

All of these buildings are missing their roofs. In the past, buildings on the east side would have had a sacristy (where sacred items were kept), a chapter house (where monks met), and a dormitory (where they slept). The buildings on the south side had a kitchen and a refectory (a dining hall). There is also a cemetery with several graves near the abbey.

Images for kids

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  Abbey layout from 1886

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  Map and floorplan from 1849