 It is claimed that St. Cronan's Church in Tuamgraney is the oldest church in continuous use in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. The doorway through which the legendary King of Ireland, Brian Boru, entered over 1000 years ago is still intact.
A monastery was founded here by St. Cronan in the early part of the 6th Century and was noted as a center of learning. Despite being plundered by Vikings in 886 A.D. and 949 A.D., it continued to flourish. Cormac Ua Cillin, an abbot of Tuamgraney, built the church here sometime between 949 and 964 A.D., the year of his death. The church was repaired by Brian Boru (whose brother Marcan was abbot) and forms the nave of the present church. The western part of the church has many features characteristic of early Irish church architecture: the projecting antae at the corners of the gable, cyclopean masonry, and the doorway with inclined jambs and massive lintel.
About St. Cronan's Church
Megalithic Ireland: St. Cronan's, Tuamgraney
Wikipedia: St. Cronan's Church, Tuamgraney
Wikipedia: Mo Chua of Balla (St. Cronan Michua)
Wikipedia: Tuamgraney
Journey to St. Cronan's Church
St. Cronan's Church is located in the town of Tuamgraney at the junction of R352 and R463 in County Clare, Ireland. The East Clare Heritage Centre is located in the church.
Map Reference: R6382
Visitors Information
Visitors information may be found at the geograph.ie website. General tourist information may be found at the County Clare Tourism website.
Additional Photos of St. Cronan's Church
Sign for St. Cronan's Church
St. Cronan's Church
St. Cronan's Church
Doorway to St. Cronan's Church
Another View of Doorway to St. Cronan's Church
Brian Boru Sign Outside St. Cronan's Church
East Clare Heritage Centre Sign Outside St. Cronan's Church
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