Saints and Stones: St. Ciaran's Monastery (Teampall Chiarain)
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It is believed that St. Ciaran founded a monastery on this site in the 6th Century when he was studying on Aran with St. Enda. The current rectangular structure is, of course, of a much later medieval time, although one observer says that the west gable door may be dated as early as the 8th Century.

Several cross slabs are found on the site's grounds and in the fields nearby. One of these also functions as a sundial. In a nearby field are two standing stones that are cross inscribed. These also have little "ears" and a "cap" sculpted into them and represent an early stage of the development of the full Celtic Cross. Nearby is also the holy well of St. Ciaran.

About St. Ciaran's Monastery (Teampall Chiarain)

Oileain Arann: Teampall Chiarain
Irish Antiquities: Temple Ciarain, Inismor, Aran
New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia: The Monastic School of Aran
Wikipedia: Ciaran of Clonmacnoise

Journey to St. Ciaran's Monastery (Teampall Chiarain)

St. Ciaran's Monastery (Teampall Chiarain) is located in the central part of Inishmore in the area known as Mainstir off either the coast road or the upper road.

Map Reference: L8710

Visitors Information

Visitors information may be found at the geograph.ie website. General tourist information may be found at the Aran Islands Tourism website.

Additional Photos of St. Ciaran's Monastery (Teampall Chiarain)

Road Sign for St. Ciaran's Monastery
St. Ciaran's Monastery
Sign at St. Ciaran's Monastery
Interior of St. Ciaran's Monastery
Interior of St. Ciaran's Monastery
Sundial Near St. Ciaran's Monastery
Cross Slab Near St. Ciaran's Monastery
Close-Up of Cross Slab Near St. Ciaran's Monastery
Early Celtic Cross in Nearby Field, St. Ciaran's Monastery
Well Dedicated to St. Ciaran Near St. Ciaran's Monastery

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