Cloontuskert Abbey
Cloontuskert Abbey is situated 3 kilometers north of the Shannon bridge in Lanesboro the ancient crossing point of the River Shannon. This abbey was known as Cloontuskert-na-Sinna to distinguish it from another Clontuskert in Co. Galway. The name Cloontuskert is derived from the Irish word ‘’Cluain’’ meaning meadow and ‘’Tuaiscirt’’ meaning north as it is situated north of the old crossing point of the Shannon.
Cloontuskert Abbey was founded by brothers Saint Brendan and Saint Faithleach in 520 AD. At this time St. Brendan the Navigator and his brother St. Faithleach travelled north along the River Shannon and came ashore close to Ballyleague. Approximately 45 meters from where they landed is a Holy Well, which is still known as the well of St. Faithleach and the water is reputed to have curative properties.
The brothers subsequently founded the abbey called St. Mary’s Abbey at Cloontuskert village, approximately three
kilometers from their landing place. St. Faithleach was appointed first Prior at the Abbey. The Abbey became well known
throughout Ireland and Europe as a place of learning. It is said that at one stage there were more than two thousand students attending lectures there. Segments of the ruins of the original building still remain. It is thought that Cloontuskert Abbey was the first abbey founded in County Roscommon.
Cloontuskert Abbey was founded by brothers Saint Brendan and Saint Faithleach in 520 AD. At this time St. Brendan the Navigator and his brother St. Faithleach travelled north along the River Shannon and came ashore close to Ballyleague. Approximately 45 meters from where they landed is a Holy Well, which is still known as the well of St. Faithleach and the water is reputed to have curative properties.
The brothers subsequently founded the abbey called St. Mary’s Abbey at Cloontuskert village, approximately three
kilometers from their landing place. St. Faithleach was appointed first Prior at the Abbey. The Abbey became well known
throughout Ireland and Europe as a place of learning. It is said that at one stage there were more than two thousand students attending lectures there. Segments of the ruins of the original building still remain. It is thought that Cloontuskert Abbey was the first abbey founded in County Roscommon.
The Danes and Cloontuskert Abbey
It is recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters that Bactan, Prior of Cloontuskert Abbey died in 804a.d. This information is of great importance as it shows the Abbey was still in existence when the Danes arrived in Ireland.
In the year 843a.d. the Danes made their appearance in Lough Ree which is only 3 miles south of Cloontuskert Abbey. In 843 Turgesius, Lord of the Danes, came up the Shannon to Lough Ree with a fleet of over 100 ship. He plundered the surrounding area and burned all the churches around the lake. Cloontuskert Abbey somehow survived as the Danes failed to locate it. It was not until 934 however that Amhlaib Ceannhairc and his band of foreigners plundered Clootuskert Abbey. They entered Lough Ree on Christmas night 934. They moored their boats near Gallagh in the Bay of Portnahinch. They camped at Lisnaria from where they attacked and plundered Cloontuskert Abbey before proceeding onwards on their mission of destruction.
It is recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters that Bactan, Prior of Cloontuskert Abbey died in 804a.d. This information is of great importance as it shows the Abbey was still in existence when the Danes arrived in Ireland.
In the year 843a.d. the Danes made their appearance in Lough Ree which is only 3 miles south of Cloontuskert Abbey. In 843 Turgesius, Lord of the Danes, came up the Shannon to Lough Ree with a fleet of over 100 ship. He plundered the surrounding area and burned all the churches around the lake. Cloontuskert Abbey somehow survived as the Danes failed to locate it. It was not until 934 however that Amhlaib Ceannhairc and his band of foreigners plundered Clootuskert Abbey. They entered Lough Ree on Christmas night 934. They moored their boats near Gallagh in the Bay of Portnahinch. They camped at Lisnaria from where they attacked and plundered Cloontuskert Abbey before proceeding onwards on their mission of destruction.