Clonmacnoise

General admission to Clonmacnoise includes access to the visitor center and a guided 30-minute tour of the site. The visitor center has a video covering the history of the site as well as exhibits of original high crosses and grave slabs, and displays on local flora and fauna. 

Because of Clonmacnoise’s convenient setting along the road from Dublin to Galway, many sightseeing tours stop here while en route to the west of Ireland, where Galway city, the Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara can be found. Some tours departing from the nearby town of Athlone focus on the midlands region of Ireland and combine a visit to Clonmacnoise with stops at nearby sights such as Clonony Castle, Birr Castle, and Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Center. 

• The visitor center is fully wheelchair accessible, though the ruins themselves—with grassy slopes and steps—offers only limited access to visitors using wheelchairs. 
• It rains frequently in Ireland and much of the site is outdoors, so bring waterproof shoes and a jacket.
• Start your visit at the center, where a short video gives a good introduction to the history of Clonmacnoise, helping you to better understand the historical significance of the ruins. 

Clonmacnoise is situated in County Offaly, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) from the town of Athlone in County Westmeath. If driving, take the N62 south from town and follow the signs from there. There are no public bus routes serving the site, so if you don’t have access to a car, it’s best to go with a tour operator. 

Clonmacnoise is open daily year round. Opening hours vary with the season. It’s busiest in summer, and the narrow access roads to the site can become congested during this time. Go early or late to avoid the crowds. 

The largest ruin at Clonmacnoise is the cathedral, which is believed to be the burial place of the last high king of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair. Originally dating back to the 10th century, the cathedral was added to and altered over the years, and features a 15th-century door decorated with carvings. There are seven churches at the site, the smallest of which is said to hold the remains of St. Ciarán, the founder of Clonmacnoise, and two round towers, one of which—O’Rourke’s Tower—was hit by lightning in 1135, and hence is only about two-thirds of its original height.