Isle of Scattery is a small island off Kilrush in County Clare. The area is wild and beautiful, and home to magnificent archaeological remains dating back to the 6th century. These ruins bear witness to the ancient presence of a large monastery where monks and scholars spent their days studying religious texts, tending their gardens and praying. Here are a few tips on what not to miss there.
The island of Scattery is fairly well served by local boat companies. Depending on the shuttle you choose, you can expect to pay between €5 and €8 for the crossing. Once you’ve arrived on the island, you’ll find yourself in front of a Visitor Centre, which will introduce you to the history of Scattery through a rather attractive exhibition. Among other things, you’ll learn that the man behind the monastery was St. Fenian, a monk who lived in the 6th century. Other milestones in the story include a short introduction to the Viking Invasions and a chapter on Brian Boru’s reconquest of Scattery.
The exhibition then ends in the 12th century, with the island’s appointment as a diocese.
Now it’s time for the tour itself! Once out of the Visitor Centre, you’ll be faced with no fewer than 6 ruined churches, as well as a magnificent 36-metre-high round tower (one of the highest in Ireland). Among the largest buildings, we’d like to draw your attention to this famous round tower. Its architecture is unusual in that it has an entrance on the ground floor, whereas most of these buildings have a door on the 1st floor. Nevertheless, the tower is one of the best-preserved monuments on the site, and was used, according to archaeologists, to store ancient books and cult objects.
Let’s move on to “St. Mary’s Cathedral”(Teampall Naomh Mhuire), built right next to the tower. Some engravings on the stone are still visible, and a face appears on the outside, on the east side of the building. The architectural finesse is remarkable, and the deterioration of the building in places is deplorable.
As for the other 5 churches, they’re located very close by, so you can stroll through the ruins and appreciate the beauty of this secluded spot.
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