Shrule Abbey facts for kids
| Mainistir Shruthair | |||||||||||
St Colman's Church, north of Shrule Abbey
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |||||||||||
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| Other names | Cloghvanaha, Clogvanaha | ||||||||||
| Established | 5th century | ||||||||||
| Disestablished | 14th century? | ||||||||||
| Diocese | Galway | ||||||||||
| People | |||||||||||
| Founder(s) | Saint Patrick, Felartus | ||||||||||
| Architecture | |||||||||||
| Status | ruined | ||||||||||
| Heritage designation |
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| Style | Celtic monastic | ||||||||||
| Site | |||||||||||
| Location | Church Park, Shrule, County Mayo | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 53°31′08″N 9°05′26″W / 53.518995°N 9.090615°W | ||||||||||
| Visible remains | wall foundations | ||||||||||
| Public access | yes | ||||||||||
Shrule Abbey is an old monastery in County Mayo, Ireland. It is also a National Monument. This means it is a special historical site protected by the country.
Where is Shrule Abbey?
Shrule Abbey is found southwest of Shrule village. It is located north of the Black River. You can also find it south of St. Colman's Church.
The History of Shrule Abbey
People believe that Christianity came to Shrule in the 400s AD. This was thanks to Saint Patrick himself! He started a church at a place called Donaghpatrick. He left his student, Felartus, in charge there.
The ancient abbey of Cloghvanaha is thought to have grown from this first church. Cloghvanaha means "blessed stone" in Irish.
Shrule Abbey was once connected to Cong Abbey. Later, in 1152, it became part of Annaghdown Abbey. Around the year 1200, St. Colman's Church took over as the main church in Shrule. Cloghvanaha was still mentioned in records in 1306.
What's Left of the Building?
Not much of this old abbey is left today. You can see a rectangular mound of earth. It is about 11 by 13.4 meters (12 by 14.7 yards). You can also spot some old stone pieces from the walls.
