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There is a  5
deposit and a short history of the site is available from
the innkeeper, Lily, for 2.50.
Grab a copy of this guide before getting started. It will
be invaluable as you wander through the buildings. Or,
of course, print this page and take it with you.
Be SURE that if anyone comes into the buildings after
you that you either wait for them to finish looking around
before locking up, or make sure that you designate a gatekeeper
in their party who will lock up when they're done. YOU
have the key so therefor YOU are responsible for the safety
and protection of the buildings and the people in them
while you are in possession of the key. Gates are secured
with a padlock so do not give up the key until
you return it to the B&B.
The best place to start your tour of the monastery is
in Kilmacduagh Cathedral and O'Shaunghnessy Chapel. The
earliest part of this building dates back to the 11th
century to replace the original wooden church with one
built of stone. Monasteries were popular places to plunder
because of the wealth of gold and gems, and wood burns
easily, but not so stone. In the 13th century, Kilmacduagh
saw many plunderings, but the site went onto be one of
the most important in the Galway region until the Reformation
(1517-1648).
As lay patrons of the cathedral, the ancient
family of O'Shaughnessy's were privileged to be buried
within the walls of the cathedral. Dated 19 January 1671,
Sir Dermot O'Shaughnessy's will makes reference to "...the
tomb where my ancestors were buried." The tomb was
probably constructed in the 16th century and is the burial
place of the first baronet of Gort, the first Sir Dermot
O'Shaughnessy who married an O'Brien (ancient rulers of
Clare). There is an impressive carving of Jesus on the
cross with Our Lady and St. John at his feet over the
tomb entrance.
To the right of the O'Shaughnessy tomb are the Reredos
Slabs (decorative stone from behind the altar). It's suspected
that during restoration work in 1879 that these slabs
were rescued from the first stone church, possibly Teampalbeg
Macduagh, which is little more than a stone wall to the
left of the round tower away from the main site.
There are two slabs here — one is similar to that
on the tomb with Jesus on the cross with Our Lady and
St. John at his feet, the other is of St. Colman himself
as Bishop of Kilmacduagh holding the famous crozier.
The cathedral has many stone carvings. It's worth taking
your time to look at all of them.
Beside the cathedral is the impressive round
tower, also known as the Leaning Tower of Kilmacduagh.
This structure dates back to the 10th century and served
as a belfry, watch tower, treasury and places of refuge
from marauders. Kilmacduagh is the tallest of its kind,
measuring 34 meters from the ground, or about 37 yards
or 111.50 feet. The second tallest round tower at
which is 33 meters high, 36 yards, or about 108.25 feet
— just 3.25 inches shorter.
It's a wonder that this round tower is
still standing as it has little foundation and is built
on very soft soil. One might think our photo is out
of alignment, when in fact the cross in the picture
is perfectly straight. The tower leans two feet out
of true.
Another unusual feature of the tower is the doorway.
Typically, the entrance would have been built 10-12
feet from the ground. The one here is a staggering 26
feet from the ground. Beneath the tower is the site
of an ancient burial ground. The interior has seven
floors that would have all been constructed in wood.
Across the road from the cathedral is the ruin of Temple
Mary, also known as Our Lady's Temple. This church is
of 13th century construction and it's thought to have
been built with the stones from another church. It lacks
the adornments of the other churches on the site so
it's use is actually unknown.
Across the grassy field is the ruin of the Church of
St. John the Baptist, the Oratory of St. John. All that
remains of this church is an end gable with what could
have been a window or door way. Interestingly enough,
this building has the oldest masonry on the site, much
of it from the 10th century like the tower.
Next is Glebe House, Glebe meaning an ecclesiastical benefice.
This building is known as an abbots house, or locally
as Seanclogh, Clergy's House. Built in the 14th century,
this building is of the newest construction. Glebe house
was both a bishop's residence and seminary for the education
of priests.
The building is actually a fortified structure with loopholes
and a murder hole! At one time a small garrison was stations
at Kilmacduagh and would have lived in this building,
as there is also a guard tower in evidence. Glebe House
is the only building on the site that has been restored
and open to the public to view the upper interior construction.
Note: During certain
times of year, butterflies will nest in the ceiling rafters
in the upper floor. Please do not disturb them.
Finally, O'Heyne's Church/Abbey is set at the northernmost
side of the site, behind Glebe House and the visitor's
car park. This church was built in the first half of the
13th century and features some wonderful stone carvings
and double Romanesque windows. These windows have been
compared to those at Clonfert and Clonmacnoise, and measure
8.5 feet in height each. It's possible that while the
church is of 13th century construction that the windows
could date back to the 11th century as part of an earlier
structure.
Kilmacduagh saw many plunderings during the time of the
Vikings. In the year 920, there is mention in the annals
of this site being raided. Moal Mac Duagh, lord of the
territory at that time, was killed by Danes. In 932, the
grandson of Sitric the Dane, Harold, was killed near the
monastery by an O'Heyne.
The monastery suffered other Viking raids but there was
a time of relative peace once Brian Boru became Ard Ri
(High King) of Ireland. Boru sponsored the restoration
of the monastery in the late 10th century. Boru not only
favored giving any wealth he had to the Church, his wife
was also an O'Heyne, so that probably had something to
do with his interest in Kilmacduagh as well.
Kilmacduagh has a much longer and deeper history than
detailed here. Make the point of seeing this site, take
your time and see it leisurely.
While here, don't forget to stop by St. Colman's Tomb,
which lies behind the cathedral, to pay our respects.
It's said that those with back ailments can be cured by
laying on the slab over his grave!
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limited access, unpaved paths requiring wheelchair assistance