Abbey Ruins

About this place

Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery that later became an Augustinian abbey in the twelfth century, and its main sights are ecclesiastical. It was formerly known as St. Tighernach Abbey, and was referred to locally as the "wee abbey". Parochial and monastic settlements were separated, and it seems likely that the building became the Abbey of St. Peter and Paul. In the Book of Armagh and Annals of Ulster the word Clones is referenced as "Clauin Auis" and "Cluain Auiss," respectively. As there is no word in standard dictionaries of Old Irish that give the form "auis" or "eois", Seosamh Ó Dufaigh has speculated that the word is a cognate of the Welsh word for point or a tip: "awch". Bearnard O'Dubhthaigh disputes this theory on the grounds that the earlier form of "awch" is "afwch". Folklore suggests that the monastic town was originally called "Cluin Innish" due to being surrounded by water.

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Abbey Ruins is located in County Monaghan, roughly 123 km (1h 50m drive) from Belfast and 143 km (2h 05m) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 27 m away. Nearby highlights within a short drive include The Cassandra Hand Centre (0.1 km away).