Description
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site is a spectacular 6th-century Christian monastery located on the picturesque, rolling banks of the River Shannon. Founded by Saint Ciarán, this ancient settlement grew into one of Europe's most influential seats of learning and religion, often described as a university of its time. It stands out as one of the best things to do with kids in County Offaly, offering families a wide-open historical environment where children can step back into Ireland's golden age of saints and scholars.
Prices start from £0, as younger children under the age of 12 are granted completely free admission to the grounds and interpretation areas. For adults and older youth, standard entry fees are priced affordably at €8.00 for adults, €4.00 for children and students, and €20.00 for a full family group ticket. This budget-friendly, state-managed entry structure makes it a highly accessible, low-stress heritage outing for families traveling through the Irish midlands.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines massive ancient stone towers with captivating legends of high kings, this riverside ruin is a magnificent choice. Children can decipher mysterious biblical stories carved into giant stone crosses, explore a ruined cathedral, and try out the famous "Whispering Arch". The brilliant mix of open-air historic exploration and panoramic river landscapes ensures that both parents and young explorers stay fully captivated.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Top Features
- Early Christian Architecture: Families can wander through a beautifully preserved monastic layout featuring an ancient cathedral, two round towers, and nine historic churches.
- Educational Day Out: The site offers an immersive look into medieval Irish history, letting children see where famous monks transcribed ancient manuscripts like the Book of the Dun Cow.
- The Whispering Arch: A unique architectural feature at the cathedral's north entryway that lets kids whisper secrets into the stone wall and be heard clearly on the other side.
- Protected High Crosses: The original, elaborately carved 9th and 10th-century high stone crosses are safely housed inside a dedicated, climate-controlled indoor visitor building.
Highlights
- The Cross of the Scriptures: A magnificent 10th-century high stone cross covered in intricate, comic-strip-style carvings of biblical scenes and ancient kings.
- The Cathedral Ruins: The largest building on the site, constructed in the 11th century, which serves as the final burial place of Rory O'Connor, the last High King of Ireland.
- The O'Rourke Round Tower: Completed in 1124, this soaring stone tower stands near the riverbank and was famously struck and damaged by a massive lightning bolt in 1135.
- The Nun's Church: Located just 300 metres down a quiet trail east of the main complex, this ruin showcases some of the finest examples of decorative Hiberno-Romanesque stone carvings.
- The River Shannon Vista: A beautiful, elevated vantage point overlooking the wide waters of the Shannon, where kids can watch passing modern boats and historic cruise vessels.
Beyond the Main Attraction: The monastic site is perfectly positioned in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands for a full day of family travel. Families can take a scenic 30-kilometre drive to explore Portumna Castle and Gardens, a magnificent 17th-century semi-fortified manor house right on the shores of Lough Derg. You can also drive 33 kilometres north to the Corlea Iron Age Roadway and Visitor Centre to walk along a real wooden trackway built across a bog in 148 BC. For a truly memorable journey, families can board a 90-minute Viking Tours Boat Cruise from Athlone, which sails down the River Shannon and drops you directly at the monastery pier.
27.51 miles
