The Nuns' Church, Clonmacnoise, Offaly

The Nuns' Church

12th century Romanesque church

The Nun's Church at Clonmacnoise is one of Irelands hidden gems. Located 300 metres east of the main complex at Clonmacnoise, it ranks amongst the finest examples of Hiberno-Romanesque architecture in Ireland. It was built under the patronage of the infamous Dearbhforgaill-Dervorgilla, the wife of Tighearnan O’Rourke the King of Breifne. Dervorgilla was abducted by Dermot MacMurrough Kavanagh, one of the events that led to the Norman invasion of Ireland. The ave and chancel Church was completed in 1167 but fell into disrepair.

Thankfully the beautiful Hibero-Romanesque chancel arch and doorway were reconstructed in the mid 19th century. There are so many wonderful pieces of romanesque sculpture around the doorway and the arch. The doorway features fine pieces of beakhead ornament and geometric design.

To the south in the same field is part of a wall belonging to an earlier church and also the foundation of another earlier church. We could have spent hours here just admiring the craftsmanship. It is also possible to visit the Nuns church without visiting the main complex at Clonmacnoise.

Exhibitionist figure

Another interesting feature to look out for is the female carving on a voussoir of the chancel arch. Many people believe this is a sheela-na gig, but it is an exhibitionist figure. The image below is tilted, the figure appears towards the centre of the image, but is actually more to the left hand side of the arch.

Situated: Very easy From the main site at Clonmacnoise head walk east along the pilgrims path. Then exit the site at the modern graveyard. The Church is in a field 300 metres down the road on your left.

Discovery Map 47: N 0145 3090. Last visit Mar 2014.

Longitude: 7° 58' 41" W

Latitude: 53° 19' 42" N

Google Map

Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson.

Female exhibitionist

The Nuns' Church 12th century Romanesque church The Nun's Church at Clonmacnoise is one of Irelands hidden gems. Located 300 metres east of the main complex at Clonmacnoise, it ranks amongst the finest examples of Hiberno-Romanesque architecture in Ireland. It was built under the patronage of the infamous Dearbhforgaill-Dervorgilla, the wife of Tighearnan O’Rourke the King of Breifne. Dervorgilla was abducted by Dermot MacMurrough Kavanagh, one of the events that led to the Norman invasion of Ireland. The ave and chancel Church was completed in 1167 but fell into disrepair. Thankfully the beautiful Hibero-Romanesque chancel arch and doorway were reconstructed in the mid 19th century. There are so many wonderful pieces of romanesque sculpture around the doorway and the arch. The doorway features fine pieces of beakhead ornament and geometric design.

To the south in the same field is part of a wall belonging to an earlier church and also the foundation of another earlier church. We could have spent hours here just admiring the craftsmanship. It is also possible to visit the Nuns church without visiting the main complex at Clonmacnoise.

Exhibitionist figure Another interesting feature to look out for is the female carving on a voussoir of the chancel arch. Many people believe this is a sheela-na gig, but it is an exhibitionist figure. The image below is tilted, the figure appears towards the centre of the image, but is actually more to the left hand side of the arch.
Situated: Very easy From the main site at Clonmacnoise head walk east along the pilgrims path. Then exit the site at the modern graveyard. The Church is in a field 300 metres down the road on your left. Discovery Map 47: N 0145 3090. Last visit Mar 2014. Longitude: 7° 58' 41" W Latitude: 53° 19' 42" N Google Map Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson.	Female exhibitionist