east clare heritage centre

This centre, housed in the oldest church in continuous use in Ireland and the UK, explains the history of the town and surrounding area. Holy Island, in Lough Derg, is an important early monastic settlement and the heritage centre operates boat trips daily to the island. Nature and heritage walks operate from the centre and at night it often hosts traditional concerts. This the oldest church in continuous use in Ireland, England, Scotland or Wales. The western portion with its magnificent trabeated doorway was built by the Abbot Cormac O'Killeen prior to 960AD. Also housed here is the Genealogical Research Centre and Folk Museum.