Clare Island Abbey

Clare Island Abbey, officially St. Brigid's Abbey, is a former Cistercian monastery located in County Mayo. It was founded in the 12th/13th century and in 1224 became a cell of Knockmoy Abbey, a Cistercian abbey near Tuam.

It was rebuilt c. 1460. It contains numerous tombs of the local ruling family, the Ó Máille (O'Malley) and tradition claims it as the site of the baptism, marriages and burial of Gráinne 'Grace' O'Malley (c. 1530 – c. 1603), the famous 'pirate queen.' She is believed to have been interred at the O'Malley tomb which has a canopy.

The abbey was probably dissolved during the late 16th century. Later it was a place of refuge for Carmelite Friars.

Building

The abbey is furnished with piscina, sedilia, carved heads and ogee and cusp-headed lancet windows.

Clare Island Abbey contains a series of medieval wall and ceiling paintings. They depict mythical, human and animal figures including dragons, a cockerel, stags, men on foot and on horseback, a harper, birds and trees. Such ornamentation is unusual for a Cistercian foundation.

Address
Clare Island, Ireland

Established
12th century