inchcleraun

Inchcleraun is situated on Lough Rea, which is associated with Queen Maeve. Legend telss that she was killed while bathing on the island, by an Ulsterman who shot a stone at her from the mainland, in revenge for the Ulster Cattle Raid. The monastery itself, was built in the 6th century, which is credited to St. Diarmuid.

There are the ruins of four churches there. The first - Teampul Mor, was built in the 13th century, probably by the Augustinians. The Women's Church is believed to have been dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Dead Church, is presumably where the dead were buried. The Belfry Church is unusual, firstly because of it's square shaped bell tower and secondly it has a staircase with two doors in the north wall.