Clonmacnoise facts for kids
| Cluain Mhic Nóis | |
Cross of the Scriptures, Cathedral, Temple Doolin and South Cross
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
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| Other names | Cluain-maccu-nois; Cluain-mic-nois; Cluan; Tipraic, with Eaglais-beaag |
| Order | Canons Regular of Saint Augustine (1140–c.1144) Augustinian Canons Regular — Arroasian (1144–1568) |
| Established | AD 544 |
| Disestablished | 1568 |
| Mother house | Clonard Abbey (mother house of nunnery only) |
| Diocese | Diocese of Clonmacnoise |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | St. Ciarán |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Celtic monastic |
| Site | |
| Location | near Athlone, County Offaly, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°19′26″N 7°59′28″W / 53.32389°N 7.99111°W |
| Visible remains | cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses, grave slabs |
| Public access | yes |
| Website | http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlands-eastcoast/clonmacnoise/ |
| Official name | Clonmacnoise Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Site |
| Reference no. | 81, 250, 601 |
The monastery of Clonmacnoise (Cluain Mhic Nóis in Irish) is a famous old religious site. Its name means "Meadow of the Sons of Nós". You can find it in County Offaly, Ireland. It sits right on the River Shannon, south of Athlone.
St. Ciarán started Clonmacnoise in the year 544. He was a young man from Rathcroghan, County Roscommon. This monastery became very important. It was built where a main east-west road, called the Slighe Mhor, met the River Shannon. This spot was perfect for travel and trade.
Contents
Clonmacnoise: A Center of Learning
Because of its great location, Clonmacnoise grew quickly. By the 800s, it was a major center for religion and learning. People came here to study and to create beautiful art. It was also a busy place for trade.
Famous in Ireland and Europe
Clonmacnoise became one of the most famous monasteries in Ireland. Scholars from all over Europe visited it. They came to learn and share knowledge. Many important people were buried here, including high kings.
Connections with Kings
For a long time, Clonmacnoise had strong ties to powerful kings. Until the 9th century, it was connected to the kings of Connacht. Later, from the 900s to the 1100s, it was allied with the kings of Meath.
Visiting Clonmacnoise Today
Today, Clonmacnoise is a preserved ruin. The Office of Public Works takes care of it. You can visit an Interpretive Centre to learn more about its history. The old graveyard is still used, and there's a modern chapel where religious services are held.
What You Can See
When you visit Clonmacnoise, you can explore many ancient structures. There's a cathedral, seven churches, and two tall round towers. You can also see three impressive high crosses and many old grave slabs. These ruins tell the story of a very important place in Irish history.
Images for kids
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Clonmacnoise Cathedral from the south-east, with Temple Doolin and Temple Hurpan
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Clonmacnoise Castle
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Clonmacnoise at sunset
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Temple Finghin and McCarthy's Tower
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A replica of the Cross of the Scriptures
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Inside Temple Rí (King's Church)
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A close-up of the Cross of the Scriptures
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An old plan of Clonmacnoise
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See also
In Spanish: Clonmacnoise para niños
