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Holy Island
Scarriff, Co. Clare
Free to visit
Cloudy days
Experience Holy Island on Lough Derg in County Clare, one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. People from all over the world travel to visit this peaceful pilgrimage site.

Journey to Holy Island and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere of this ancient monastic site.

View the well-preserved round tower, explore the historic ruins of six churches, stop by the holy well, and look out for the bargaining stone where marriage vows are still renewed to this day. See the graveyard where stone slabs date back to the eighth century and an early monastic cell, widely recognised as one of Ireland's most extraordinary monuments.

Holy Island is chiefly associated with Saint Caiman, who died in 653 AD. During his time, Holy Island was a great centre of learning and today, people come from every corner of Ireland to experience this special place. Boats depart from Mountshannon, a charming village on the western shores of Lough Derg.

Why we like it
  • Discover one of Ireland's most important monastic sites.
  • Admire the well-preserved tower.
  • View the ruins of six churches.
  • See the bargaining stone, where marriage vows are still renewed.
Contact details
Knockaphort, Co. Clare, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 2 hours here.

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