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Clonmacnoise

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party.

Ireland (Europe and North America)
Date of Submission: 28/09/1992
Category: Mixed
Submited by: National Monuments & Historic Properties Service
Coordinates: County Offaly
Ref.: 304

Description

This is an area of both natural and cultural significance. The property is located alongside the river Shannon, a major routeway of national importance and the largest river in both Ireland and Britain. The cultural remains consist of an ecclesiastic foundation. A monastery was founded here in 548-9 by St Ciaran. The remains of eight religious buildings survive representing various styles of architecture spanning the period from the 10th to the 17th centuries. Two highly decorated stone crosses from 9th and 10th centuries survive along with very fine examples of ornately carved graveslabs spanning 8th to 12th centuries. The area also preserves a rich and varied environment. This includes a glacial landscape of eskers, semi-natural woodlands and large tracts of bogland, and the river callows. Those in turn support a variety of plant and animal life including many rare species.