Clonmacnoise, where to see Celtic crosses in Ireland: schedules, prices

Before making my first trip through the rural world and the landscapes of IrelandI couldn't imagine visiting that country and not seeing the celtic crosses.

What better place to do it than an enclave as magical as the Abbey of Clonmacnoise, an essential stage on your trip from the aforementioned capital Dublin to the west of ireland to explore the atlantic coast route.

Can you imagine a place that dates back to the early christian era, specifically, in the middle of the 6th century, where dozens of tombs with Celtic crosses?

These crosses date from between the 8th and 12th centuries, and you can see them next to the archaeological remains several early christian temples and a small cathedral.

That's Clonmacnoise, a place that should not be missed in a travel plan for visit Ireland.

Curiosities of the history of Clonmacnoise

Located almost in the geographical center of the island of ireland, history says that abbey and Clonmacnoise monastic complex They were founded in the year 548 by San Ciarano.

It was the time of barbarian invasions , and St. Patrick A century earlier he had already established the Catholic Church in Ireland.

With the founding of a monastery like Clonmacnoise was collected pagan tradition of the druids and a center of power was created that became a small city populated by the Celts.

The monks spread the new Catholic religion, but without a hierarchical relationship with Rome.

San Ciarano He died just a year after the monastery was founded, but since he was buried there, it has become a place of pilgrimage for 1.500 years.

What to see and do when visiting Clonmacnoise Abbey

What will you see now in your Clonmacnoise visit?

It will give you the feeling of being in a large cemetery, and so the first thing that will catch your attention are the large celtic crosses located in front of the remains of what was a small cathedral whose origin dates back to the year 909.

El Archaeological set It is completed with the stone remains of some buildings, remnants of what was once a small city with several temples.

Of course, the entire enclave is presided over by a great circular stone tower 17 meters high.

Built in the year 1124, it is a typical medieval tower of Ireland, mix of bell tower and defensive place, in which you will be surprised to see that the entrance hole is at a certain height.

If what has led you to Clonmacnoise is to see the celtic stone crosses, the most important one is found right in front of the aforementioned cathedral.

How to see Celtic crosses in Clonmacnoise in Ireland

It is the so-called Scripture Cross, which was built around the year 900 on a single block of sandstone.

Four meters high, on its surface you can see various inscriptions, as well as scenes from the Cruxification or Final judgment.

I will make the reservation that it is a replica, but don't worry, you can see the original cross during the little one's visit. Museum of Visitors Center where it is preserved in order to be preserved from the inclemencies of the weather.

Among the latests Moravia's compositions celtic crosses also highlights the so-called Southern Cross, 3,7 meters high, which shows an ornamental decoration with abstract shapes.

Clonmacnoise Cathedral in Ireland

The so-called cathedral of Clonmacnoise It was built in the year 909, and they are the largest remains of those you can see in the place, and what is best preserved of the original building is the north wall.

Of course, on the west façade, originating from the year 1200, you can cross through a door that is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

La tomb of the saint It is located in the smallest of the temples, barely four meters long, which is known by the name of Ciaran Temple.

The remains of others Clonmacnoise temples They are also from the same period, around the year 1200, although they underwent renovations in later centuries.

Your visit to this archaeological site must be completed by visiting the aforementioned Clonmacnoise museum shown in the Visitors Center, especially to see the original Cross of Scripture.

Clonmacnoise visiting hours

The Visiting hours for the remains of Clonmacnoise Abbey They are from 9 a.m. to 18,30:XNUMX p.m. from June to August, with last access half an hour before and other times depending on the time of year.

For example, in winter, from February to mid-March, from 10 a.m. to 17,30:XNUMX p.m.

Clonmacnoise ticket prices

The ticket prices to visit Clonmacnoise They are currently 8 euros for the general price; 6 euros for seniors; and 4 euros for students.

Photos of Clonmacnoise in Ireland

Here you have more photos of Clonmacnoise, which you will find 14 kilometers south of the town of Athlone, in the center of Ireland.

Map: where it is and how to get to Clonmacnoise

The remains of the Clonmacnoise Abbey and its Celtic crosses are in the center of the island of ireland, specifically in the county of Offaly, On the banks of Shannon River, 130 kilometers, an hour and a half drive from Dublin.