clare island saint bridgets church and a castle

Nothing is known about the early history of the island, but in 1220 the Cistercians from Knockmoy, Co. Galway (q.v.) established a cell here. The 'Abbey' church consists of a nave and chancel as well as a sacristy. There were other buildings to the north of the church, but these have vanished. The church does not appear to date from the period of foundation, but from about 1500. The most unusual feature of the church are the paintings in the chancel, which are some of the very few medieval frescoes remaining in Ireland. the paintings represent a strange mixture of animals and humans, but their meaning is unknown. The only recognisable figure is that of the Archangel Michael with the scales of Judgement

The walls of the chancel appear to have been covered in bands of yellow and blue paint. Down near the harbour is a weather-slated castle which is said to have been built by the famous pirate queen Grace O'Malley. it is a three-storey building with side passages in the third floor, but it was much altered in the last century.